Twenty-four states are set to converge on Ikot Ekpene Township Stadium, Akwa Ibom State, for the third edition of the Senate President National Under-18 Unity Cup, scheduled for October 25 to November 1, 2026.
Chairman of the Main Organising Committee (MOC), Dr. Mike Uyi, expressed excitement over the growing interest in the tournament, describing the response from football academies and grassroots clubs across the country as overwhelming.
Uyi spoke in Uyo on Saturday after a strategic meeting of the committee, noting that the competition would feature male and female categories, with a focus on nurturing young talents and promoting youth empowerment through football.
He disclosed that future editions would be open to all football clubs and academies nationwide, expanding opportunities for emerging players to showcase their abilities.
The MOC chairman commended the President of the 10th Senate and chief host of the tournament, Senator Godswill Akpabio, for his commitment to grassroots sports development and his vision of using football to create economic opportunities for Nigerian youths.
Uyi also revealed that the opening ceremony on October 25 would feature football legends and respected figures, including former Golden Eaglets World Cup-winning coach, Ambassador Fanny Amun; former Super Eagles captain, Joseph Yobo; and tournament ambassador Akarandut Nicodemus Orok.
Renowned football scout Chief Paul Ojo Omamome has also confirmed his attendance and is expected to identify promising players for trials abroad.
Meanwhile, National President of the Grassroots Sports Federation (GRASOF) and tournament coordinator, Hon. John Bassey Ekpenyong, praised Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for his commitment to sports development and the successful hosting of the recently concluded Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival.
Ekpenyong said GRASOF had witnessed the governor’s investment in grassroots sports through its involvement in the Pastor Umo Eno Easter Under-17 Unity Cup, describing sports as an effective tool for youth engagement and peacebuilding.
He reaffirmed the federation’s support for President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Governor Eno’s ARISE Agenda, stressing that sports could create jobs, reduce youth restiveness and empower young Nigerians.
“Football is not just a game, it is economy,” Ekpenyong said.
The Senate President National Under-18 Unity Cup is organised by GRASOF in collaboration with the Office of the President of the Senate, with the competition expected to provide a platform for young footballers to develop their talents and attract opportunities beyond Nigeria.
By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
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