The maiden edition of the Sheriff Oborevwori U-17 Football Competition for Delta Central Senatorial District, powered by Arthur Ferdinand Limited, kicked off in grand style on Sunday, August 3rd, at the Ekpan Police Station Football Pitch.
The tournament aims to harness grassroots football talent and promote youth development through sports in Delta State.
Declaring the tournament open, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by the Chairman of the Delta State Board of Internal Revenue, Chief Solomon Ighrakpata, restated the state government’s unwavering commitment to youth empowerment through sports.
Addressing the eight participating teams representing local government areas within the Delta Central Senatorial District, the governor emphasized the importance of early engagement in sports as a key to building discipline, self-confidence, and steering young people away from social vices.
“There is no better time to catch them young. Sports instills structure, builds their future, and keeps them purposefully engaged.”
Governor Oborevwori noted that the administration was not only interested in identifying talent but also committed to nurturing it.
He revealed plans to transition outstanding players into professional sports academies for advanced training and development.
Chairman of the opening ceremony, Hon. Prince Godwin Ejinyere, who also serves as Director-General of the Warri, Uvwie, and Environs Special Area Development Agency (WUEDA), urged the teams to see the tournament as a platform for unity and youth engagement. He warned against age falsification, calling for transparency and discipline to uphold the tournament’s integrity.
This is more than just a competition; it is a tool for peace, growth, and future building,” Ejinyere stated.
Performing the ceremonial kickoff, the sponsor of the competition, Chief Idama Amuru, said the aim of the tournament is to provide a level playing field where young footballers from all backgrounds can be scouted and supported.
According to him, “The organizing committee was carefully selected and consists of seasoned sports administrators from both within and outside Delta State.
The goal is to ensure a high-standard tournament, guided strictly by the rules of the game.
Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, former Super Eagles midfielder and current Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Technical Committee member, Mr. Edema Fuludu, expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far.
He commended the sponsor’s commitment and revealed that the tournament winner will receive ₦5 million, while the runners-up will be rewarded with ₦3 million, ₦2 million, and ₦1 million respectively. Consolation prizes will also be awarded to other deserving players.
In the opening match, Ughelli North LGA delivered a commanding performance, thrashing Ethiope East LGA 5–0.
The eight under-17 teams competing in the tournament represent the local government areas of Ethiope East, Ethiope West, Sapele, Okpe, Ughelli North, Ughelli South, Udu, and Uvwie.
Dignitaries present at the colorful opening ceremony included prominent political leaders, senior government officials, and major football stakeholders from across the state. Among them were the current Chairman of the Delta State Football Association, Chief Godwin Adode, and his predecessor, Chief Nwamuocha.