The 2025 edition of the Zenith Bank–Delta State Headmaster’s Football Cup has officially begun, with an impressive 756 primary schools set to participate making it the largest grassroots football tournament in the state’s history.
Now in its fourth year, the tournament was declared open during a press briefing held on October 20, 2025.
Speaking at the event, which took place at the Prof. Chike Edozien Secretariat in Asaba, the Honourable Commissioner for Primary Education, Dr. Kingsley Ashibogwu, expressed his excitement over the competition’s continued growth. He described it as a valuable platform for discovering and nurturing young football talent across the state.
Dr. Ashibogwu praised Zenith Bank for its ongoing commitment to corporate social responsibility, noting that its partnership with the Ministry has positively impacted pupils’ lives, fostered stronger inter-school relationships, and supported the Ministry’s vision of using sports as a tool for holistic education and youth development.
He also shared that this year’s tournament comes with fresh additions, such as broader school participation, improved scouting opportunities for talented players, and training workshops for Sports Officers, Games Masters, and Physical and Health Education teachers. These initiatives, he said, are geared toward encouraging fair play, character building, and inclusive participation among pupils.
The Commissioner further acknowledged the efforts of education officers, teachers, and media partners for their ongoing support in promoting grassroots sports. He emphasized the importance of integrating sports with education to help shape well-rounded future leaders.
The competition will feature kickoff matches and preliminary rounds across all 25 Local Government Areas. Winning teams at the LGA level will move on to the zonal stage before battling it out in the finals.
Dr. Kingsley Ashibogwu officially announced that the 2025 Headmaster’s Football Cup will kick off on Tuesday, October 28, and called on all stakeholders to rally behind the young players as they take to the field in the coming weeks.
Zenith Bank Kicks Off 2025 Delta State Headmaster’s Football Cup — Over 756 Schools in the Race for Glory
Representing Zenith Bank, Mr. Ogheneovo Obayendo expressed the bank’s appreciation to the Executive Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for his unwavering support and significant contributions to the growth of sports in the state.
He also commended the successful hosting of the 9th National Youth Games at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, describing it as a clear reflection of the governor’s passion for youth empowerment and sports development.
Since its launch in 2020, the Headmaster’s Cup has continued to grow in popularity and scale. This year’s edition has set a new record, with over 756 primary schools participating up from 708 schools in 2024.
According to Zenith Bank, the competition is about more than just football it brings together pupils, parents, teachers, and local communities, creating a shared experience that fosters unity and school spirit across Delta State.
The bank emphasized that its support for the tournament is part of its broader Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) focus on grassroots sports development.
Past editions of the Headmaster’s Cup have produced promising young athletes who have gone on to pursue careers in sports, using the competition as a launchpad.
“This year’s tournament is set to be both educational and entertaining,” the bank stated. “We’re confident it will uncover even more young talent and help nurture their potential.”
Zenith Bank also highlighted its extended commitment to youth development through its sponsorship of the secondary school version of the tournament the Zenith Bank–Delta State Principal’s Cup further strengthening its role in building future champions.
The bank also extended its heartfelt appreciation to the Governor, the Ministry of Education, organisers, coaches, media professionals, and all stakeholders whose continued support has been instrumental in the success of the tournament year after year.
Looking ahead, the bank expressed confidence that this year’s edition of the Zenith Bank–Delta State Headmaster’s Football Cup will be both successful and memorable.
Speaking during the event, the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Sports Development, Mr. Harrison Ocholor, shared that this year’s tournament will feature even more innovations from his office. These efforts aim to identify and nurture young talent, with the goal of helping the Delta State Sports Commission build a strong team for next year’s National Youth Games, as well as contributing players to the Nigeria Football Federation’s U-14 elite squad.
Read also: Oborevwori Set to Attend Zenith Bank/Delta Principals’ Cup
