FOOTBALL excitement returned to Isiokolo, the headquarters of Ethiope East Local Government Area, Delta State, as the 2025 edition of the Chairman’s Cup football tournament officially kicked off with much fanfare.
The grassroots competition, initiated and sponsored by the Chairman of the Council, Hon. Augustine Ogedegbe, features football clubs drawn from the eleven political wards in the local government area.
In a press statement made available to journalists in Isiokolo, Hon. Ogedegbe said the tournament is aimed at discovering football talents among the youth while promoting peace, unity, and communal spirit across Ethiope East.
“The Chairman’s Cup is designed not only to showcase raw football talent but also to foster friendship, fair play, and a healthy competitive spirit among our wards.
We are committed to supporting promising talents to reach national and even international football stages,” he stated.
He urged all participating teams to uphold the values of teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship throughout the competition.
Declaring the tournament open at Agbon Secondary School, Isiokolo, Hon. Ogedegbe performed the symbolic kick-off, drawing applause from spectators and dignitaries in attendance.
The curtain-raiser match between Ward 1 (Abraka) and Ward 4 (Okpara) ended in a thrilling penalty shootout, with the Okpara team edging past their opponents 5-4.
The annual Chairman’s Cup continues to serve as a platform for youth engagement and sports development in Ethiope East, as well as an avenue for promoting grassroots unity and community pride.
