The semifinals of the 2025 Zenith Bank/Delta Principals Cup football competition are set to take place today, 9 October, at two venues.
The annual competition commenced on 18 September in Asaba, culminating in the final four teams emerging from over 1,000 secondary schools that began the tournament at the preliminary stage.
Warri South Local Government, represented by Ogbe Ijoh Grammar School, has advanced to the last four and will face Justice, Peace and Success Secondary School, representing Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State. This match is scheduled for Notre Dame College, Ozoro.
In the second semifinal, Otokutu Grammar School, representing Ughelli South, will compete against Urhobo College, Effurun, representing Uvwie Local Government, at Government College, Ughelli.
These four semifinalists successfully navigated the preliminaries to represent their respective Local Governments, excelling at the zonal qualifiers held at various venues before the quarterfinals, which took place on Tuesday across four different centres in the state.
Tony Pemu, CEO of Hideaplus, the organisers of this annual youth development football competition, shared with our correspondent that the 2025 event has been particularly thrilling.
“We have witnessed zonal and quarterfinal matches that resembled finals in terms of the skills displayed and the talents showcased. In the semifinals, we anticipate even more impressive performances from the players, leading up to what promises to be an exciting final on 16 October in Asaba,” Pemu stated.
Meanwhile, a total of 64 players have been scouted thus far, with the potential to advance to greater opportunities in the footballing world.
Notable players include Salah James, Divine Efenudi, Oghenevwere Johnson, Young Jeffrey, Ojobo Rejoice, Okiki Victor, Nwori Ifeanyi, Eze Destiny, and Evans Faith, among others.
The winners of Tuesday’s semifinal matches will secure a place in the final of this edition, the eighth in the series, scheduled for the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba.
