Schools in Aguata LGA,Anambra Compete for Football Glory, N2 Million Prize
No fewer than twelve secondary schools in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State are currently competing for a grand prize of two million naira in the ongoing C-Unit Charity Cup Football Competition.
The tournament, which kicked off on Thursday at the Umuchu Mini Stadium, will award the winning team a cash prize of ₦1,000,000, while the first and second runners-up will receive ₦600,000 and ₦300,000, respectively.
Additionally, individual awards of ₦20,000 each will be presented to the tournament’s best goalkeeper, defender, midfielder, attacker, and coach.
The competition is sponsored by C-Unit Charity Foundation, an arm of Confidence Record Label, Lagos, founded by Chief Onyedika Ike, a native of Ufuma in Orumba North Local Government Area, formerly part of the Old Aguata Union (OAU).
Speaking on behalf of the foundation, its spokesperson Mr. Alex Okechukwu said the aim of the Charity Cup is to give back to the society and create a platform for young boys to exhibit their football talent.
“The sponsor, Chief Onyedika Ike, is a philanthropist with no commercial interest in this tournament,” Okechukwu noted. “The idea behind the C-Unit Charity Cup is to provide opportunities for these young players to showcase their talents. We began with ten local government areas as a pilot and plan to expand the initiative to other LGAs. Eventually, we will involve universities across the state.”he said.
He added that Chief Ike, a musician with a passion for both fashion and football, has already committed ₦5 million to support the current edition of the tournament in Ufuma.
In Thursday’s opening matches, Community Secondary School, Nkpologwu triumphed on penalties against Government Technical College, Umuchu, while Community Secondary School, Isuofia defeated Christ Redeemers College, Amesi, 2–1, in the first round of the tournament.
Declaring the tournament open, the Chairman of Aguata Local Government Area, Dr. Chibueze Ofobuike, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to grassroots sports development and expressed readiness to partner with both public and private entities to elevate the area’s sporting profile.
“I am truly delighted that such a meaningful initiative is taking place in Aguata. With proper training and exposure, these boys can grow to become the next Jay-Jay Okocha or Nwankwo Kanu,” Dr. Ofobuike remarked.
He also highlighted that the Umuchu Mini Stadium was constructed under his leadership to boost sports activities in the area. He pledged further infrastructure investments, including the construction of additional mini stadiums in Igbo-Ukwu and Ezinifite, to strengthen grassroots sports development.
Dr. Ofobuike commended the sponsor for his vision and generosity, encouraging other philanthropists across Anambra State to support similar initiatives.
Several participating students expressed gratitude to the organisers and the sponsor, noting the opportunity as a rare and inspiring experience.
The grand finale of the C-Unit Charity Cup is scheduled to hold on June 13 at the Umuchu Mini Stadium.
