The Anioma Unity Football Tournament, designed to unite and empower grassroots footballers across the nine local government areas of Delta North Senatorial District, has been lauded as a groundbreaking initiative. Organized by Mr. Okonkwo Collins, the Senior Special Assistant on Youth Matters to Senator Ned Nwoko, the tournament has captivated sports enthusiasts and the youth.
Speaking on the tournament’s structure, Mr. Okonkwo highlighted its knockout-phase format involving the nine local governments: Aniocha North, Aniocha South, Ika North East, Ika South, Ndokwa East, Ndokwa West, Oshimili North, Oshimili South, and Ukwuani. He emphasized the vision behind the event, saying, “The tournament aims to showcase grassroots talents to the world, transforming them into global brands. This maiden edition sets the stage for an annual tradition.”
Mr. Okonkwo extended his appreciation to Senator Ned Nwoko, who he described as a staunch sports enthusiast and the acting chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports Development in the 10th Assembly. He urged youth to embrace sports as a pathway to self-development and global opportunities, stating, “Football is the key to a new dimension in the sports world. I encourage the youth to remain focused and committed.”
Ogosi Azuka, a football consultant with the Delta State Sports Commission, also praised the initiative. Reflecting on the tournament’s progress, Azuka noted, “The competition has been lively, with six matches played so far. It has brought youth together and kept them engaged positively. Kudos to Senator Nwoko for this impactful initiative.” Addressing the unique challenge of coordinating an odd number of teams, Azuka explained the solution, which saw Ukwuani defeating Aniocha North in the preliminary round to complete the main draw.
The tournament has received accolades from participants and coaches alike. Pastor Timothy Ujam, coach of the Ika South team, whose squad has reached the semi-finals after defeating Aniocha South 5–3, said, “This is a remarkable form of youth empowerment. It keeps the youth engaged and focused on teamwork and hard work.”
He commended Senator Nwoko’s vision, calling it “the most impactful form of youth empowerment.”
Ika South goalkeeper Ayodele Oluwasegun shared his excitement, saying, “This competition brings joy and unity among youth. It gives us purpose and something to look forward to.”
As the semi-finals approach, the Anioma Unity Football Tournament continues to inspire and empower youth across Delta North. With such initiatives, the region is witnessing a transformation that highlights the power of sports in fostering unity, development, and talent recognition.
