Ughelli, Delta State, Nigeria – December 21st, 2024 – Wow, what a way to wrap up the 5th edition of the Oke Umurhohwo Cup! The atmosphere was so hot probably because the teams were on fire! And the competition? Absolutely thrilling! If you weren’t there, you missed out on one of the most exciting football tournaments to date. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Let me take you through this incredible journey.
This year’s Oke Umurhohwo Cup was extra special. With “Kicking Off a Brighter Future” as the theme, it was all
Under-13s compete fiercely for the cup.
about Supporting Education, One Goal at a Time. Not only did we witness some amazing football talent, but the tournament also had a bigger mission: giving back to the community. While football is always at the heart of this competition, the 2024 edition had a twist. It wasn’t just about showing off the skills
of the teams – it was about helping the kids of Ujode Primary School get a better place to learn and grow.
Champions proudly holding a banner on the pitch.
That’s right, guys – the Oke Umurhohwo Foundation, known for its
incredible work in education, healthcare, and community development, used this year’s tournament to
raise funds for the renovation of the school. Talk about playing with purpose!
A Quick Look Back at the Past Editions
Before we dive into the action, let’s quickly remember how far we’ve come with the Oke Umurhohwo Cup. It all started back in 2020, with Ughelli All Stars winning the very first edition. That set the stage for what’s now one of the most anticipated events of the year. Every edition since has been better than the last, with new champions and unforgettable moments.
- 2020: Ughelli All Stars kicked things off with a bang, taking home the first trophy.
- 2021: Delta Rangers showed everyone their strength, clinching the title in a competitive showdown.
- 2022: The Super Sheraton squad made their mark, defeating Ughelli United in a nail-biting final.
- 2023: Solution FC dazzled us all, outplaying Royal Oghale FC in the fourth edition.
Now, here we are, celebrating the fifth edition of the Oke Umurhohwo Cup – and it did NOT disappoint.
A Tournament of Thrills, Tension, and Triumph
The competition kicked off with 16 teams battling for glory. From the very first match, you could tell this was going to be an unforgettable edition.
The quarter-finals alone were packed with drama and tension:
- Ortega FA managed to pull off a 1-0 win against Maro 11 FA in a match that had the crowd on the edge of their seats.
- Super Sheraton had to fight hard, winning 3-1 on penalties after a goalless draw against CHI FC.
- Excellent FA showed resilience, overcoming Successful FC 4-2 in penalties after a 0-0 draw.
- And then, there was the thriller between World Star FC and Delta Rangers. In a game that saw everything from great goals to incredible saves, Delta Rangers triumphed 3-2.
Oh, the semi-finals were intense!
- Ortega FA and Super Sheraton locked horns in a thrilling 1–1 draw, but Super Sheraton kept their nerves and won 4–2 on penalties.
- As for Excellent FA, they came out blazing, beating Delta Rangers 3–1 and making their way to the finals in style. What a show!
Now let’s talk about the finale, shall we?
The Grand Finale – A True Showdown
Fierce tackle between two players during a high-stakes football match.
The battle between Excellence FA and Super Sheraton was nothing short of breathtaking. With the match tied at 0-0 after regular time, the tension was palpable. Both teams gave it their all, and it came down to penalties to decide the champions. In the end, it was Excellence FA who triumphed, winning the shootout and claiming the trophy! The crowd went wild, and the celebrations were absolutely epic.
Excellence FA didn’t just win the title – they bagged a cash prize of N400,000, while Super Sheraton, as runners-up, took home N250,000. Some other stand-out performances were recognized too:
- Best Player: Jeffrey Omere (who gave us some seriously jaw-dropping moments).
- Highest Goal Scorer: Great Udori, who netted 5 goals throughout the tournament.
- Best Goalkeeper: Onoabedje Oghenenyerhovwo Justin (a.k.a Iron Monkey), who made some insane saves that kept his team in the game up to the finals.
Of course, there were plenty of other awards, and everyone who stepped onto the field walked away with a sense of pride and accomplishment.
The Community Comes Together
Beyond the goals and the glory, this year’s Oke Umurhohwo Cup was a celebration of community spirit. Fans cheered passionately, teams gave their all, and the atmosphere was full of hope and excitement. There was more than just football – there was the joy of seeing the Ughelli community come together for a cause. Everyone rallied behind the efforts to improve the learning environment at Ujode Primary School, making this year’s edition a special one in more ways than one.
A Legacy of Growth
As the tournament came to a close, it was clear that the Oke Umurhohwo Cup has become a major event that goes beyond sports. It’s about building bridges, empowering the youth, and fostering growth in our community. Hon. Oke Umurhohwo, the founder of the Oke Umurhohwo Foundation, expressed his gratitude to the teams, players, supporters, and everyone who made this year’s edition a huge success.
“We’ve come a long way since our first tournament, and we’re proud of the journey,” he said. “But it’s not just about football. It’s about creating opportunities for young people to shine and making our community stronger.”
Looking ahead, there are even bigger plans for next year, and we’re already excited about the 6th edition of the Oke Umurhohwo Cup. If this year was anything to go by, 2025 is going to be even more amazing!
So, until next year… Keep the football fever alive, and let’s continue supporting our teams, our players, and our community.
Want to be part of this amazing story? You can still donate to help give the kids at Ujode Primary School a better learning environment! For enquiries or account details, just call 09063782121 or send your support to Zenith Bank, 1217670213. Every little bit counts! ❤
For more updates on the Oke Umurhohwo Foundation and the Oke Umurhohwo Cup, visit www.okefoundation.com.ng.
