In a thrilling climax that will be remembered for years, Abbi Grammar School from Abbi community has been crowned champion of the landmark Ndokwa Interschools Football tournament. The young squad secured victory in a nail-biting final decided by penalties, edging out a determined Ashaka Community School with a 6-5 scoreline after a tense shootout.
A Tournament of Historic Proportions
This competition, held recently in Delta State, has set a new record as the largest inter-school football event ever organized in the Ndokwa region. Spearheaded by youth advocate and social influencer, Mr. Ifeanyi Samson Mogbolu, the tournament was executed under the platform of the Big Child Initiative for the Less Privileged. It succeeded in bringing together an impressive 48 secondary schools, showcasing not just football skill, but also remarkable discipline, unity, and sportsmanship among the participating youth.
Prizes, Recognition, and Future Pathways
For their triumph, Abbi Grammar School was awarded a grand prize of ₦1,000,000. Beyond the trophy and cash reward, the tournament's core mission of talent discovery was front and center. Individual excellence was celebrated with Oyeme Joshua receiving the Most Valuable Player award and Joseph Bethel being honored as the Best Goalkeeper.
According to the Project Coordinator, Mrs. Esvee Solomon, the journey does not end on the pitch for these standout athletes. She revealed concrete plans to advance their careers, stating that the tournament's president, Ifeanyi Mogbolu, has finalized arrangements with former Nigerian soccer international, Ibezito Ogbonna—who was a special guest at the finals. The plan is to secure placements for the talented players in reputable football academies where they can professionally nurture their dreams.
A Milestone Celebration for Ndokwa Nation
The event was hailed by community leaders and stakeholders present as a historic milestone for Ndokwa. They widely applauded its peaceful conduct, the massive level of participation from schools across the region, and the enduring social value it provides. The tournament has undoubtedly set a new benchmark for grassroots sports development initiatives, proving to be a powerful tool for youth engagement and talent harnessing in Delta State.
