In a rare display of cross-district political cooperation Delta State’s three senators have joined forces to launch the “Delta Senators’ Unifier Cup.”
The Under-19 football tournament was officially unveiled in Ozoro, Isoko North LGA, with the goal of bridging communal divides and providing a global platform for the state’s burgeoning football talent.
The initiative is a collaborative effort between Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas (Delta South), Senator Ned Nwoko (Delta North), and Senator Ede Dafinone (Delta Central).
Speaking at the launch event Onoriode Omagufi, Special Assistant to Senator Joel-Onowakpo, emphasized that the tournament was born out of a desire to see Delta’s youth connected through sport rather than divided by geography.
“The tournament is designed to promote unity among youths from different parts of Delta State,” Omagufi stated. “It’s a platform for them to connect, build lasting relationships and see themselves as one regardless of which senatorial district they come from.”
Beyond the message of peace, the Unifier Cup is being positioned as a high-stakes “scouting combine.” Organizers have confirmed that the 10-day event is expected to attract a host of football scouts and agents.
According to the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), the objective is to identify standout players and provide them with direct links to professional clubs both within the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and international leagues. For many of the participants representing their local government areas, this could be the “golden ticket” to a professional career.
