By Ochuko Akuopha
Defending champions, Delta All-Stars International, began their title defence on a winning note after edging Ex-Invisible Leopard All-Stars 1-0 in the opening match of the fourth edition of the Ofugara Peace and Unity Football Tournament in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
The keenly contested encounter, played at the Okotogbo Primary School Football Pitch on Thursday, was settled in the second half as Delta All-Stars found the breakthrough and held on to secure all three points.
Ex-Invisible Leopard All-Stars mounted pressure in search of an equaliser, but the defending champions remained disciplined at the back to preserve their narrow advantage until the final whistle.
The 2026 edition of the tournament has been expanded to 32 veteran All-Stars clubs drawn from the three senatorial districts of Delta State. The competition brings together former professional and grassroots footballers in an initiative aimed at promoting 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, described the tournament as more than a football competition.
She said it provides an avenue for former footballers to remain active while using the sport to foster unity and contribute to community development.
Obiuwevbi urged the participating teams to give their best while maintaining sportsmanship, adding that the continued support of stakeholders would be crucial to the sustainability of the tournament.
She commended the Chairman of the Ofugara Foundation, Mr Silva Ofugara, for his commitment to humanitarian causes and contributions to society.
She also acknowledged the Delta State Government for creating an enabling environment for sports development, noting that such support would encourage talent discovery and the growth of sports in the state.
Several former football stars are taking part in the tournament, with the veteran players expected to display their experience, tactical awareness and technical ability throughout the competition.
Beyond the football rivalry, the organisers said the tournament is designed to strengthen relationships among former players and communities across Delta State.
The organisers have also put up a N10 million grand prize for the winners, adding further incentive to the 32 participating sides as they battle for the trophy.
Delta All-Stars International will now look to build on their opening-day victory as they pursue a successful title defence, while Ex-Invisible Leopard All-Stars will seek to bounce back in their next fixture.
Delta All Stars
The competition is expected to produce more exciting encounters as veteran teams from across Delta’s three senatorial districts compete for honours under the tournament’s theme of peace, unity, friendship and giving back to humanity.
