Okija’s Unity Football Tournament returns with ₦10m prize pool

...As LOC promises bigger and better tournament

By Trust Ittai

 

 

The fourth edition of the Abig Nwankwo Foundation Okija Annual Unity Football Tournament will kick off in December, bringing together the nine villages of Okija, Anambra State, for a festive celebration of grassroots football, community unity and youth development.

Organised by the Abig Nwankwo Foundation, the competition will run throughout the Yuletide season, with the grand finale scheduled for Wednesday, January 7, 2027.

The tournament is the initiative of Chief Chimezie Ken Nwankwo, popularly known as Owelle N’Okija and Ichie Ozoabatauno Adimma, Chairman of Bigly Group and founder of the Abig Nwankwo Foundation. It aims to strengthen communal bonds, promote peace and provide a platform for emerging football talents to showcase their abilities.

All nine villages of Okija are expected to compete for the ultimate prize and the bragging rights that come with being crowned champions. Matches will be played at the historic Okija Central School Pitch, also known as St. Mary’s Pitch, Umuofo Okija.

In a significant boost to grassroots football, the foundation has increased the financial rewards for the 2026 edition, with a total of ₦10 million earmarked for the participating teams.

The champions will receive ₦5 million and gold medals, while the runners-up will earn ₦3 million and silver medals. The third-placed team will take home ₦2 million and bronze medals.

The remaining six villages will each receive ₦200,000 as consolation prizes, ensuring that every participating team benefits from the competition.

Speaking ahead of the tournament, sponsor Chief Chimezie Ken Nwankwo said the initiative was driven by a desire to use football as a vehicle for youth empowerment and community development.

“This tournament is not just about football; it is about unity, it is about giving our young people a sense of belonging. We are doing this to give opportunities to budding football talents in Okija to express themselves, to be discovered, and to stay away from social vices.

“Okija is one big family, and football remains a powerful tool to bind us together,” the Owelle N’Okija stated.

Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Uwaoma Odili Iheabunike, known as Ijele-Igbo N’Okija, expressed confidence in the committee’s preparations, promising a competition that will combine quality football with a celebration of Okija’s cultural heritage.

“We are fully ready. I want to thank Owelle N’Okija, Chief Chimezie Ken Nwankwo, for his uncommon love for Okija. This 4th edition will be exclusive, bigger, more entertaining, and more uniting.

“We promise a fair, transparent, and memorable tournament for all the participating nine villages. Okija is one family. Football is our bond,” he said.

The LOC also disclosed that the opening ceremony and grand finale would feature a carnival atmosphere, with traditional rulers, political leaders, captains of industry and football stakeholders expected from across Anambra State and beyond.

Musical performances and cultural displays will complement the football action, adding to the festive atmosphere surrounding the competition.

The tournament has grown in prominence over its first three editions, with the Abig Nwankwo Foundation also extending its community support to widows, young people and students in Okija and beyond.

Ubahu Village claimed the 2025 title after defeating Ubahumonum with a dramatic extra-time goal in the final, while Umuhu Village finished third. The champions received ₦3 million in prize money at the previous edition.

With the first-place reward now increased to ₦5 million, the 2026 tournament promises an even more competitive contest as the nine villages prepare to battle for the title.

Beyond the trophies and financial rewards, the competition remains focused on bringing the Okija community together, celebrating local talent and creating opportunities for young footballers during the Yuletide season.