The 2024 edition of the Delta State Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup competition ended on a high note, fostering unity and celebrating sporting excellence among ethnic groups in Delta State.
Novelty Match
A special novelty match was played at Ode-Itsekiri between team Itsekiri/Ijaw on one side and the other ethnic groups on the other side to flag-off the tournament and also to mark this year’s World Tolerance Day.
During the opening ceremony match at Ode-Itsekiri, the initiator and renowned global peace ambassador Chief Comrade Mulade Sheriff, members of the LOC, some retired ex-international and Nigeria Super Eagles players such as Sam Sodje, Edema Fuludu, etc, travelled to Ode-itsekiri in the Creek to witness the curtain-raiser, to ensure that the objectives of the tournament (promoting inter-ethnic peace, unity and friendly competition) was met, to also ensure that the organisation of the event met global standard.
It is imperative to state that since the ethnic conflict that engulfed Delta State over 20 yeas ago, particularly Warri and environs, this is the first time the Ijaw’s & Itsekiri’s are united by forming a unity team to play against other ethnic groups in the state.
The journey of this year’s tournament started on November 16, and climaxed on December 8, 2024, featuring teams that represented different ethnic groups.
The Ethnic Group Stage
Preliminary matches took place in 6 ethnic group centres across Delta State, including:
1). Isoko Ethnic: Oleh Township Stadium
2). Ndokwa Ethnic: Kwale Township Stadium
3). Itsekiri Ethnic: Nana Model College Stadium
4). Ijaw Ethnic: Ogbe-Ijoh Secondary School field
5). Urhobo Ethnic: Agharho Primary School
6). Ika Ethnic: Obiaruku Secondary School Field
These matches revealed team spirit, determination, and sportsmanship among the players from various ethnic groups.
Knockout Stage and Finals
The knockout stage led to the thrilling grand finale between Team Itsekiri (Ugbomarun FC) and Team Ndokwa (Ndokwa East United FC) at Oreorokpe town in Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State, where team Itsekiri-Ugbomarun FC emerged winners by 3 goals to 1, claiming the championship title. The quarter final matches were played at Obiaruku Secondary School Field, in Ukwani LGA, and Ogbe Primary School Field, Effurun, in Uvwie LGA, leading to the semifinals that were played at Oleh Township Stadium, in Isoko South LGA, and Ogor Technical College, Ughelli North LGA.
Awards and Prizes
Champions (Itsekiri Ugbomarun FC): ₦2 million cash prize, a trophy, and gold medals for the players.
Runners-up (Ndokwa East United FC): ₦1.5m million cash prize, and silver medals for the players.
Third-place winner (Team Urhobo, Udu United FC): N1 million cash prize, and bronze medals for the players.
Fourth-place team: #500,000 and consolation prizes. However, Team Isoko, (Winsome FC) who were supposed to be fourth place winners, were disqualified and banned from participating in the next edition for breaching guidelines.
Grand Finale
It is worthy of note that the three (3) Senatorial District of Delta State fully participate in this year’s edition, miraculously through divine arrangement, Team Ndokwa from Delta North while Team Itsekiri from Delta South and the Final was played at Oreorokpe Town in Okpe LGA, Delta Central. This showcase the bond of unity in Delta State.
According to the organiser, Comrade Mulade Sheriff, the purpose goes beyond just playing for Peace and unity but the Delta State Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup achieved its primary objectives by fostering unity and promoting peaceful co-existence among various ethnic groups in the state. “This tournament has strengthened our bond and showcased the rich cultural heritage of Delta State,” we do not just play for peace and building bridges of unity but equally hunting and discovery talents for Posterity. The LOC Chairman and immediate past chairman, Delta State Football Association (DFA) also collaborated the assertion by the sponsor, Delta State born renowned environmental rights activist. Comrade Mulade Sheriff.
Future Prospects
The success of the 2024 tournament has paved the way for the next (6th) edition of the competition. Plans are underway to expand participation, introduce new categories, and ensure that the event remains the cornerstone of Delta State’s sports calendar.
