Delta All-Stars International Emerge Champions Of 2025 Ofugara Peace, Unity Football Tournament


Delta All-Stars International, Ekpan, have emerged champions of the 2025 Ofugara Peace and Unity Football Tournament after a dramatic penalty shootout victory at the Okotogbo Primary School Football Pitch, Effurun, in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.

The veteran championship
dedicated to footballers aged 43 and above celebrated its third edition this year, with 24 teams from Delta Central and Delta South Senatorial Districts competing over four weekends of spirited, community-driven fixtures.

Speaking on behalf of the Ofugara GiveBack Initiative Board, conveners of the tournament, Barr. Antoinette Ofugara delivered a warm and thoughtful address, welcoming invited guests, community leaders, and participating teams.


 She emphasized that the tournament was conceived as a beacon of unity, designed to harness the power of football in building understanding, strengthening communal ties, and promoting peaceful coexistence. 

She added that the growing success of the event represents the community’s shared commitment to fostering harmony and positive engagement.

Representatives of the sponsor, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, led by Mrs. Deicy Jaja, Head of Administration, also delivered an uplifting goodwill message. 

She praised the organisers for their consistency and described the tournament as a platform that aligns closely with Tantita’s values of peacebuilding, social stability, and community development. 

Mrs. Jaja reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting initiatives that enhance peace and social progress across the Niger Delta.

The ceremony equally featured remarks from the Chairman of Uvwie Local Government Area, Hon. Anthony Ofoni, who commended the organisers for sustaining a competition that has brought increased recognition to the Uvwie community. 

He stated that the tournament continues to contribute to improved peace, stability, and social interaction, while stimulating business activities as residents and visitors troop out weekly to witness the fixtures.

Representing the Delta State Government, Chief Solomon Ighrakpata, Chairman of the Delta State Board of Internal Revenue, delivered a well-rounded goodwill message in which he highlighted sports as a proven instrument for promoting unity, peaceful coexistence, and community development. 

He lauded the organisers for complementing government efforts and assured that the state remains committed to supporting programmes that strengthen social cohesion.

 Chief Ighrakpata later performed the ceremonial kickoff to set the final match in motion.

Earlier in the day, Commander Hetty Ofughara of the United States Navy formally inaugurated the closing ceremony.

 In her brief but impactful remark, she commended the organisers for sustaining an initiative rooted in discipline, teamwork, and community service
values she described as critical to building peace in society. 

Her presence added an international dimension to the reputation and prestige of this year’s edition.

On the field, the highly anticipated final between Ijaw Ex-Professionals All-Stars and Delta All-Stars International ended goalless after a tense, tactical contest that kept spectators on their toes for the entire duration. Delta All-Stars eventually clinched the title with a 6–5 victory via penalty shootout.

In the third-place playoff earlier in the day, Ubeji All-Stars outclassed Uvwie All-Stars to secure the bronze medal.

The four top teams received substantial prize money: ₦10 million for the champions, ₦7 million for the runners-up, ₦5 million for third place, and ₦3 million for fourth place. 

Numerous individual honours
ranging from Best Goalkeeper and Most Valuable Player to Fair Play awards were also handed out to outstanding participants.

As the celebration reaches its peak, the distinguished presence of His Royal Majesty (HRM) Kingsley Emakpo Orereh, Igbi II, the Ovie of Agbarha-Warri Kingdom, provides a dignified and culturally significant conclusion to the ceremony. 

His Majesty expressed satisfaction with the tournament’s role in promoting unity, peace, and friendly coexistence among communities. 

He later performed the symbolic presentation of the winners’ trophy to Delta All-Stars International, a moment that drew loud applause and sealed the event on a grand, royal note.

The 2025 Ofugara Peace and Unity Football Tournament once again demonstrated the powerful impact of privately driven sports initiatives in advancing peace, strengthening community bonds, and promoting sustainable grassroots development across Delta State.

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