Ukpokiti Community Claims Victory in Ovie of Agbarha-Warri Football Cup

Ukpokiti Community emerged as champions of the first edition of the Ovie of Agbarha-Warri Kingdom Football Cup, held in honour of HRM Kingsley Emarkpo Orereh IGBI II, the Ovie of Agbarha-Warri Kingdom. The tournament, organised to celebrate the king’s first coronation anniversary, concluded on December 7, 2024, in Delta State.

HRM Kingsley Emarkpo Orereh IGBI II pledged to sustain the tournament as a platform to promote youth talent and foster unity within the kingdom. He also announced N500,000 for each of the non prize winning teams to encourage participation and support grassroots football development.

The event attracted dignitaries including the Managing Director of Nigeria Gas Company, Engr. Seyi Omotowa, community leaders, and ex-football stars. LOC chairman Edema Fuludu praised the king’s generosity and commitment to sports development, describing him as a “royal father with a difference.”

Editorial

The Ovie of Agbarha-Warri Kingdom Football Cup is a testament to the power of sports as a unifying force. By combining tradition with youth development, the tournament provides a vital platform for talent discovery and community bonding. Ukpokiti Community’s victory and the participation of other teams highlight the enthusiasm and potential of grassroots football in Delta State.

The competition featured eight teams from the kingdom’s communities, including Otovwodo (Agbassa), Igbudu, Ogunu, Oteghele, Okurode, Ukpokiti, Edjeba, and RAWK (a team comprising non-indigenes). After a fiercely contested final, Ukpokiti defeated Ogunu to claim the N3 million grand prize. Additionally, Ukpokiti players secured individual accolades for the Most Valuable Player and Best Goalkeeper, each earning an extra N100,000.

Ogunu Community, the runners-up, received N2 million, while Edjeba took third place and N1 million after defeating Igbudu 2-1 in the third place match. Other awards included Best Behaved Team, won by RAWK, and the Highest Goal Scorer trophy, awarded to Tega Oyeye of Oteghele.

HRM Kingsley Emarkpo Orereh IGBI II’s vision for sustained sports initiatives reflects a forward thinking approach to leadership. His support for young athletes ensures that the tournament not only honours tradition but also contributes to the growth of Nigerian football.

Did You Know?

1. This was the first football tournament organised under HRM Kingsley Emarkpo Orereh IGBI II’s reign.
2. The tournament featured eight teams from across the Agbarha-Warri Kingdom’s seven communities and non-indigenes.
3. Ukpokiti Community claimed the top prize of N3 million and individual accolades for its players.
4. RAWK, a team of non-indigenes, received the Best Behaved Team award.
5. The event was attended by notable figures, including community leaders and former Delta State Football Association chairman Chief Kenneth Nwaomucha.