The Victor Ikpeba 5-A-Side Football Challenge commenced with an exciting start in Warri on Thursday, 18th December. The tournament’s launch was marked by a significant increase in the total prize money, which rose from N1 million to N1.5 million just as the first kick-off took place.
Victor Ikpeba, the competition’s organiser and former Super Eagles forward, announced that the prize money boost was made possible by the generous support of High Chief Peter Esievo, Managing Director of Evomec Global Services Limited.
Ikpeba expressed his gratitude, stating, “I thank Chief Esievo from the bottom of my heart. His backing, channelled through Evomec Global Services Limited, has made a considerable difference in our efforts to better organise and achieve stronger outcomes for this community-based competition.”
He added, “This is a man who recognised our work, took an interest, and voluntarily chose to support us financially. We share much in common; not only did I grow up on the other side of Ethiope East, but he also runs a similar tournament for his own community. God bless his business.”
The mini-football tournament, held at the 3 Battalion Army Barracks in Effurun, reached its quarter-final stage on Thursday after a fiercely contested knockout round involving 24 teams vying for a spot closer to the trophy. The Local Organising Committee (LOC) had previously expanded the number of participating teams from 16 to 24.
All semi-final matches are scheduled for Friday, with the grand final set for Saturday, where the champions of the 5th edition will be crowned. The closing ceremony is expected to be attended by numerous dignitaries, including the Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission, Onos Oborevbori; Major Salman of the 3rd Battalion Army Barracks, Effurun; and former Super Eagles player and Delta State FA Chairman, Edema Fuludu, among others.
