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With six days to kick-off, preparations are in top gear for the 3rd Edition of the Senate President’s Under-18 National Unity Cup scheduled for Ikot Ekpene Township Stadium from October 25 to November 1, 2026.
Chairman of the Main Organizing Committee (MOC), Dr. Mike Uyi, disclosed this in Uyo on Saturday after a strategic meeting, expressing excitement over overwhelming interest from football academies and grassroots clubs across the federation.
“For this 3rd Edition, we are hosting 24 States, both male and female categories, but from the next edition, the tournament will be thrown open to all clubs and academies in the entire country. Our emphasis remains youth empowerment through sports,” Uyi said.
He thanked the Chief Host, President of the 10th Senate, Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio, for his passion for grassroots sports development and using football as a tool for economic empowerment of youths.
According to Uyi, the kick-off ceremony will feature football legends and Tournament Ambassadors including former Golden Eaglets World Cup-winning coach, Ambassador Fanny Amun, MON, former Super Eagles captain Joseph Yobo, Akarandut Nicodemus Orok, and others.
Renowned football scout, Chief Paul Ojo Omamome, has also confirmed attendance and will select standout talents for trials abroad.
In his remarks, National President of Grassroots Sports Federation (GRASOF) and Tournament Coordinator, Hon. John Bassey Ekpenyong, commended Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for his strides in sports development and successful hosting of the State Sports Festival.
He noted that GRASOF aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu and the ARISE Agenda of Governor Eno in using sports to create jobs and empower youths.
The tournament is organized by GRASOF in collaboration with the Office of the Senate President.
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