OSUBI/Nigeria: Team Uvwie on Sunday emerged champions of the 2025 Sheriff Jnr Oborevwori Invitational Soccer Tournament after a dramatic final victory over Team Okpe, decided by penalties at the Osubi Airport Football Pitch.
The keenly contested final produced high drama as Team Uvwie overturned a two-goal deficit to force a draw before triumphing in the ensuing shootout. Team Okpe had raced into a 2–0 lead at halftime, putting Uvwie under early pressure, but the champions staged a spirited second-half comeback, scoring twice in quick succession to level the match moments before the final whistle.
With scores tied at the end of regulation time, the encounter was settled from the penalty spot, where Team Uvwie kept their composure to secure victory and lift the coveted trophy amid wild celebrations from supporters.
As winners of the tournament, Team Uvwie received a cash prize of ₦15 million, while runners-up Team Okpe went home with ₦10 million. Third-placed Ughelli North earned ₦5 million.
The annual competition, sponsored by the Sheriff Jnr Oborevwori Care Foundation, is aimed at promoting grassroots football development and youth engagement across Delta Central.
Speaking at the event, the organiser said the tournament had continued to grow in quality and impact since its inception five years ago, noting steady improvement in organisation, participation and competitiveness.
“This is the fifth edition of the tournament. Last year was good, but this year is even better, and we are already planning something bigger and better next year,” he said, adding that Delta State remains a conducive environment for football and youth-oriented sporting activities.
He encouraged teams that fell short of the final to remain focused and consistent, stressing that the standard of play across board was commendable. “All the teams gave their best, and I urge them to come back stronger next year,” he said.
Beyond football, the organiser explained that the foundation driving the competition is motivated by humanitarian concerns, aimed at touching lives and supporting vulnerable groups. He disclosed that the foundation recently carried out cash empowerment programmes for petty traders as part of its community support initiatives.
The colourful final attracted a massive crowd and was graced by Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and his wife, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori; Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor; Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Limited, Chief Keston Pondi; former President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick; Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission, Onoriode Oborevwori; and former Super Eagles stars Victor Ikpeba and Kanu Nwankwo, alongside top government officials and football stakeholders.
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of 10 vehicles to deserving Deltans by the Sheriff Jnr Oborevwori Care Foundation. The Most Valuable Player of the tournament, Arigbogha Emmanuel of Team Okpe, received a 2013 Toyota Corolla.
Governor Oborevwori presented the championship trophy to Team Uvwie, while the member representing Ughelli North, Ughelli South and Udu Federal Constituency, Ejiro Waive, alongside Speaker Emomotimi Guwor and Deputy Speaker Arthur Akpowowo, presented medals to the top three teams.
The Sheriff Jnr Oborevwori Invitational Soccer Tournament has continued to grow in stature, serving as a veritable platform for talent discovery, youth empowerment and the promotion of unity and sportsmanship across Delta State.
