The expanded fourth edition of the Ofugara Peace and Unity Football Tournament kicked off on Thursday at the Okotogbo Primary School Football Pitch in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State, with defending champions Delta All-Stars International edging Ex-Invisible Leopard All-Stars 1-0 in the opening fixture.
The keenly contested encounter was decided in the second half, when Delta All-Stars International found the back of the net to secure a narrow victory and begin their title defence on a winning note.
The defending champions showed good tactical discipline and experience after taking the lead, soaking up pressure and protecting their advantage until the final whistle, despite a spirited response from Ex-Invisible Leopard All-Stars.
The 2026 edition has been expanded to feature 32 veteran All-Stars football clubs drawn from the three senatorial districts of Delta State, bringing together former professional and grassroots footballers in a competition designed to promote peace, unity, friendship and community development through football.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, a member of the Ofugara Give Back Initiative Board, Mrs Antoinette Ofugara Obiuwevbi, said the tournament is more than a football competition, stressing that it is also a platform for bringing people together and giving former players an opportunity to remain active and contribute to society.
Mrs Obiuwevbi encouraged the participating players to give their best and conduct themselves in the spirit of sportsmanship, urging them to support the initiative to ensure the continuity and sustainability of the tournament in the years ahead.
She expressed appreciation to the Chairman of the Ofugara Foundation, Mr Silva Ofugara, for his love, commitment and continuous efforts towards helping humanity and making positive contributions to the society.
She also commended the Delta State Government for creating an enabling environment for sports to thrive and develop in the state, noting that such support was important for the growth of sports and the discovery and development of talents.
The tournament has also attracted several former football stars, with the veteran players expected to showcase their experience, ball control, tactical awareness and competitive spirit throughout the competition.
The competition is not only providing an avenue for the players to rekindle old football rivalries but is also strengthening bonds among communities and former footballers across Delta State.
The organisers have put up a ₦10 million grand prize for the winner of this year’s edition, raising the stakes as the 32 participating All-Stars sides battle through the tournament for the coveted trophy and prize money.
With the opening-day victory, Delta All-Stars International have taken an early step towards retaining the title, while Ex-Invisible Leopard All-Stars will be hoping to recover in their next fixture.
The fourth edition is expected to produce several exciting encounters as former stars from across Delta’s three senatorial districts compete for honours while advancing the tournament’s core message of peace, unity, friendship and giving back to humanity.