By Clinton Nwachuku
The inaugural Ika Nation Football Tournament kicked off on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at the Owerre-Olubor Community football field, drawing a lively crowd and festive atmosphere.
Sponsored by: The Udoka Nwaeweche Foundation, the tournament aims to promote unity and showcase grassroots football talent across all 28 wards of the Ika people, according to Local Organizing Committee (LOC) Secretary, Pst. Dennis Aghagbon.
Speaking at the event, Pst. Aghagbon highlighted the tournament’s goals to foster discipline, teamwork, and purpose among youths, while providing a platform to discover players who could one day represent national teams such as the Super Eagles.
In an exclusive interview, Hon. Udoka Kingsley Nwaeweche, a philanthropist and community leader from Owerre-Olubor, explained that organizing the event was his way of giving back to society. “Football unites people, even former enemies,” he said.
He further shared that the tournament would double as a talent hunt, with the foundation also planning empowerment initiatives, including scholarships for exceptionally bright students from the Ika federal constituency and support for those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The Abuja-based business tycoon, politician and lawyer emphasized the foundation’s ongoing commitment to encouraging hard work and individual as well as collective progress.
The opening ceremony featured impressive skills displays by Ward 7 from Akumazi and Ward 3 from Boji Boji. After a goalless first half full of tension and excitement, Ward 3 broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute, securing a 1-0 victory.
The event attracted over 5,000 spectators, including passionate football fans, seasoned administrators, political figures, and community leaders.
The tournament’s grand finale is scheduled for December 27, 2025. The champions will receive one million naira, while the second and third-place teams will be awarded five hundred thousand and two hundred and fifty thousand naira respectively.
