Itsekiri Wins Delta Peace, Unity Cup, Defeats Ndokwa with 3 Goals
It was a big win for the Itsekiri (Ugbomarun FC) yesterday Sunday, December 8th, 2024 after beating the Ndokwa East United 3-1 in the final match played at Baptist High School Field, Orerokpe Town, Okpe Local government area, Delta State.
The game started on a good keynote when Ekpeto Udubosi scored one solid goal for Team Itsekiri within the 25th minute of play, shortly after the competition was declared opened by the Chairman of Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers and Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, Orhue I, Maj.-Gen. Felix Mujakperuo (rtd), who was represented by Chief Michael Afe and was attended by former Super Eagles Players Peter Rufia, Sam Sodje, and Edema Fuludu.
The third position was awarded to Team Urhobo as Team Isoko did not show up for the match.
The winner of the tournament went home with N2.5 million, while the second place Team went home with N1.5 million and the third place Team went home with N1 million naira, respectively.
The tournament, which is currently the 5th edition, started a decade ago to foster peace and unity among the Itsekiri and Ijaw ethnic groups.
This year’s event marked a significant expansion, welcoming teams from four additional ethnic groups: Ika, Isoko, Ndokwa, and Urhobo, thereby enhancing its mission of promoting harmonious coexistence across Delta State.
Comrade Sheriff Mulade, National Coordinator of the Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ) and initiator of the Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all participants, stakeholders, and partners, including the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC).
He stressed the tournament’s success in uniting diverse ethnic groups and its positive impact on local youth.
According to Mulade, since the inception of the tournament, over 2,700 youths from the Ijaw, Itsekiri, Ika, Ndokwa, and Urhobo communities have benefited from the initiative, which has provided encouragement and empowerment to many young individuals, particularly those from the riverine areas of Warri South-West Local Government Area.
In a call to action, CEPEJ urged the Delta State Government and oil multinationals to collaborate on constructing two mini township stadiums in the coastal Ijaw and Itsekiri communities of Warri North and Warri South-West. This proposal aims to further promote sports development, unity, and socio-economic growth in the region.
Speaking on the importance of sports in showcasing the talents of youth and fostering peaceful interactions among various ethnic groups, the organizer and chief Sponsor of the game, Comrade (Chief) Mulade Sheriff disclosed that; “Sports events like this are meant to showcase the talents of the youths rather than recognizing only the winners.”
