Asaba — Pessu Primary School, Warri, has emerged winner of the 2025 Zenith Bank Delta State Headmasters’ Cup Football Competition after defeating Destiny Group of Schools, Ughelli, 2–0 in the final played at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.
The much-anticipated final took place after weeks of delay, bringing an end to a statewide competition that featured primary schools from different parts of Delta State. The tournament showcased young football talents and highlighted the importance of grassroots sports development among schoolchildren.
With an impressive performance in the final match, Pessu Primary School secured the championship title and received major rewards from the Delta State Government, including a brand-new bus and a cash prize of N2 million.
Destiny Group of Schools, Ughelli, which finished as first runner-up, was awarded N1.5 million, while Oghene Primary School, Okuokoko, came third and received N1 million. Godly Kings Primary School, Ogwashi-Ukwu, which finished fourth, received a consolation prize of N500,000.
Delta State Governor, Sheriff Francis Orohwedor Oborevwori, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to supporting sports development and creating opportunities for students to excel both academically and athletically.
He explained that the donation of a bus to the winning school reflects the government’s determination to reward excellence and strengthen school management and sports programmes across the state.
According to the governor, sports play a key role in shaping young people by building discipline, teamwork, resilience, and leadership qualities that are essential for the future.
He noted that the state government has made inter-house sports competitions compulsory in primary and secondary schools to promote participation and talent discovery. He also highlighted Delta State’s successful hosting of the National Milo Basketball Competition finals as part of efforts to boost youth sports development.
Governor Oborevwori added that the Headmasters’ Cup has become an important platform for discovering young football talents and promoting grassroots sports development in line with the administration’s MORE Agenda.
He commended Zenith Bank Plc for its consistent sponsorship of the competition, noting that the partnership has strengthened youth empowerment, education, and community development in the state.
The governor also congratulated all participating pupils, encouraging them to remain disciplined and continue pursuing excellence regardless of the competition’s outcome. He praised coaches, referees, teachers, and head teachers for their dedication to nurturing both sporting talent and good character among the pupils.
In his remarks, the representative of Zenith Bank, Mr Obaka Igumbor, commended the Delta State Government for creating an enabling environment where sports and youth development continue to thrive. He described football as a powerful tool for social inclusion, economic empowerment, and positive youth engagement.
Earlier, the Delta State Commissioner for Primary Education, Mrs Rose Ezewu, explained that the 2025 edition of the competition began in October 2025 and progressed through preliminary rounds to the semi-finals, which were completed on November 11, 2025. She said the final match and closing ceremony were initially scheduled for November 13, 2025, but were postponed due to unforeseen circumstances beyond the ministry’s control.
She expressed satisfaction that the competition has now concluded successfully, describing it as a major step toward promoting sports development and healthy competition among primary school pupils in Delta State.
