The maiden edition of the OFUJI Unity Cup 2026 commenced in grand style yesterday at the Amaokwe Item Mini Stadium, with former Super Eagles captain and Chairman of Enyimba International Football Club, Kanu Nwankwo, leading dignitaries at the colourful opening ceremony.
The football championship, sponsored by Dr. Chimaobi Desmond Anyaso (OFUJI), is aimed at promoting unity among youths across the 13 wards of Bende Federal Constituency while providing a platform for discovering and nurturing young football talents.
The tournament was officially kicked off by the Abia State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze, alongside the Chairman of Bende Local Government Area, Deacon Bassey Uwabunkeonye, and the sponsor, Dr. Anyaso.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, Dr. Anyaso described the competition as more than a football tournament, saying it was conceived to strengthen unity among Bende youths, promote peaceful coexistence and expose talented players to greater opportunities.
He urged the participating teams to compete with discipline, fairness and sportsmanship, reminding them that although they would be rivals on the pitch, they remain brothers united by a common heritage.
According to him, the winning team will receive a grand prize of ₦4 million, while the first runner-up will go home with ₦1 million. He added that each participating team would receive a consolation prize of ₦200,000.
The competition features 10 teams drawn into two groups, namely Umunna and Ikwuisii. The participating teams are Item, Alayi, Igbere, Itumbauzo, Ozuitem, Uzuakoli, Nkpa/Umuimenyi, Umuhu, Ugwueke and Bende.
Addressing newsmen, Kanu applauded Dr. Anyaso for initiating the tournament, describing it as a strategic investment in youth development and grassroots football.
He noted that engaging young people in sporting activities would help curb youth restiveness while creating opportunities for talented players to realise their dreams.
“Dr. Chimaobi Desmond Anyaso is a good man who is passionate about empowering young people through sports,” Kanu said.
The former African Footballer of the Year disclosed that he would be scouting outstanding talents during the tournament for possible recruitment into Enyimba International Football Club and other clubs across the globe. He encouraged the players to give their best throughout the competition.
Also speaking, Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze, commended Dr. Anyaso for bringing Bende youths together through football, describing the initiative as a unifying force capable of fostering lasting peace and development in the area.
He said the people of Bende had taken note of Dr. Anyaso’s numerous contributions, particularly towards youth empowerment, and would appreciate such efforts at the appropriate time.
On his part, Bende Local Government Chairman, Deacon Bassey Uwabunkeonye, praised the sponsor for conceptualising the tournament and pledged the council’s support towards sustaining the initiative in subsequent editions.
The opening match saw Ugwueke defeat Alayi 2-0, with Ogbonnaya Chinonso (Jersey No. 9) opening the scoring as Ugwueke secured the first victory of the competition.
The successful opening ceremony has set the stage for what promises to be an exciting tournament dedicated to fostering unity, promoting grassroots football and discovering the next generation of football stars from Bende Federal Constituency.
