The 3rd edition of the Ofugara Peace and Unity Football Tournament has been officially unveiled with a colourful draw ceremony at the Protea Hotel by Marriott, Ekpan, Warri.
Exclusively designed for players aged 43 and above, this year’s tournament has attracted a record 24 veteran All-Star teams drawn from across Delta Central Senatorial District.
The sides have been grouped into six pools of four, setting the stage for weeks of thrilling action and rekindled rivalries across local communities.
The headline fixture from the draws confirmed an opening-day showdown in Group A between defending champions Corner-Lux All Stars and Delta All Stars International Veterans at the iconic Ogbe Primary School Football Pitch, Effurun.
With both sides parading ex-league stars and battle-hardened veterans, the clash promises to be a true test of pedigree.
Other group openers include: Uvwie All Stars vs Ubeji All Stars (Group B), Uvwie Ex-Players vs Okpe All Stars, Ugbokodo (Group C), Sapele All Stars vs Okpe All Stars, Osubi (Group D), Ekpan All Stars vs Ighogbadu All Stars (Group E) and Udu Ex-Professionals vs Enerhen All Stars (Group F).
With ₦25 million in prize money—the richest purse for any veterans’ tournament in Delta—teams have more than bragging rights to play for.
The champions will pocket ₦10 million, runners-up ₦7 million, third place ₦5 million, and fourth place ₦3 million.
Individual honours such as Golden Boot, Golden Gloves, Best Midfielder, and Most Valuable Player will also be up for grabs.
Speaking on behalf of the sponsoring family, Mr Silver Ofugara said the tournament has grown into a genuine platform for peace, unity, and brotherhood.
He emphasised that the message extended beyond football, urging communities to embrace togetherness in their homes, relationships, and daily lives.
Mrs Daicy Jaja, Head of Administration, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited—the tournament’s major partner—described the project as a noble investment in social cohesion.
She stressed that football remains one of the few forces capable of uniting communities divided along ethnic and political lines, urging players to serve as role models for the younger generation.
Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Mr Davison Efetoboh, assured participants of world-class logistics, quality officiating, and electrifying match-day atmospheres.
He called on fans across Delta to come out in numbers and lend their support from the opening whistle to the grand finale.
Adding glamour to the draws were former Super Eagles internationals Richard Eromoigbe and Azubuike Egwueke, unveiled as tournament icons for this edition.
They jointly conducted the draws, inspiring veterans and reminding fans of Nigeria’s rich football heritage.
Also in attendance was ex-international Edema Fuludu, former Delta FA Chairman, who praised both the Ofugara family and Tantita Security for their investment in grassroots and veterans’ football, urging more private and corporate sponsors to follow suit.
The 3rd Ofugara Peace and Unity Cup officially kicks off on October 1, 2025, and will climax in the third week of November.
With bumper prize money, iconic veterans, and a powerful message of peace, this year’s tournament promises footballing drama with an enduring social impact far beyond the pitch.
