The much-anticipated Honourable James Uba Esile 10 Million Football Tournament is set to officially kick-off in a spectacular fashion at the Okwelle Township Stadium, marking it another major milestone in grassroots sports development in Onuimo Local Government Area.
This year’s edition comes with a bang, as the Onuimo lawmaker announced a whopping 10 million cash prize, reaffirming his commitment to youth empowerment through sports. The tournament, which began with preliminary matches, is expected to climax with the grand finale on Sunday January 11th, 2026.
The opening ceremony is expected to attract a host of dignitaries such as political leaders, traditional rulers, youth stakeholders, and football enthusiasts from across the local governments area. Among the notable guests expected to grace the tournament is the Technical Manager and Coach of Heartland FC, as well as African Footballer of the Year and Olympic gold medalist, Emmanuel Amuneke who will be on ground to cheer and inspire the young players.
Popularly known as “Fresh Air,” Hon. James Uba Esile is expected to conduct the traditional ceremonial kick-off amidst cheers from football lovers and supporters. The competition, which carries a grand prize of 10 million, is one of the flagship youth empowerment initiatives under the Fresh Air Movement.
Hon. Esile in an exclusive interview emphasized the importance of sports as a powerful tool for youth development, unity, talent discovery, and community cohesion. He noted that the tournament is designed not only for entertainment but also to provide young people with opportunities to showcase their talents, build discipline, and pursue meaningful careers through sports.
According to him, sustained investment in grassroots sports remains a viable pathway to peace and progress in society. The opening match is expected to live up to expectations, featuring an exciting clash between the defending champions, Okwelle, and their fierce rivals, Umuna. The thrilling encounter ended in a 2–2 draw, with both teams displaying remarkable skill, determination, and sportsmanship—setting a high standard for the 2025/2026 season.
As the tournament progresses, excitement continues to build across communities in Onuimo, with many residents commending Hon. James Uba Esile for his consistency, vision, and dedication to grassroots development. The Onuimo Football Competition has once again reaffirmed its status as a major platform for unity, youth engagement, and sporting excellence in the local government area.
Report by: Fredrick Njoku