BY AHMED AKANBI
With few days to go, organisers of the 3rd Senate President’s U-18 National Unity Cup said excitement is building as 24 states confirm participation.
Chairman of the Main Organising Committee, Dr Mike Uyi, disclosed this on Saturday in Uyo after a strategic meeting, noting overwhelming interest from academies and grassroots clubs nationwide.
He said this year’s edition will feature male and female categories at the Ikot Ekpene Township Stadium from October 25 to November 1, 2026, while subsequent editions will be open to all clubs and academies in the country.
”Our emphasis remains youth empowerment through sports, especially football,” Uyi said.
He commended Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Chief Host of the tournament, for his commitment to grassroots sports development and using football as a tool for youth economic empowerment.
Uyi revealed that football legends including former Golden Eaglets World Cup-winning coach, Fanny Amun, ex-Super Eagles captain, Joseph Yobo, and Akarandut Nicodemus Orok will grace the opening ceremony to inspire young talents.
Renowned football scout, Chief Paul Ojo Omamome, has also confirmed his presence and will select outstanding players for trials abroad, he added.
Tournament Coordinator and National President of Grassroots Sports Federation, Hon. John Bassey Ekpenyong, thanked Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for his investment in grassroots sports and successful hosting of the state sports festival.
Ekpenyong said GRASOF aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Governor Eno’s ARISE Agenda in using sports to create jobs, curb youth restiveness and drive empowerment.
”Football is not just a game, it is economy,” he stressed.
The tournament is organised by GRASOF in collaboration with the Office of the Senate President.