Penalties Decide Oborevwori Cup Final As Uvwie Triumph
By PAULINA NZERUBE
TEAM Uvwie secured the 2025 Sheriff Jnr Oborevwori Invitational Soccer Tournament title on Sunday after defeating Team Okpe on penalties in a pulsating final at the Osubi Airport Football Pitch. The win represents Uvwie’s fifth championship triumph in the prestigious grassroots competition.
The final lived up to expectations, with Team Okpe taking a commanding 2–0 lead into halftime. Uvwie, however, showed character and fighting spirit in the second half, scoring twice in quick succession to draw level late in the game and push the contest into a penalty shootout.
Uvwie emerged victorious from the shootout to claim the ₦15 million winner’s prize, while Team Okpe earned ₦10 million for finishing second. Ughelli North placed third and received ₦5 million. The annual tournament, sponsored by the Sheriff Jnr Oborevwori Care Foundation, is aimed at discovering young talents and promoting youth development across Delta Central.
Addressing participants and guests, the organiser said the tournament has continued to grow in stature since its inception five years ago, noting improvements in organisation, participation and quality of play. He reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to using sports as a tool for unity and community development.
The event drew a massive turnout, including Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, senior government officials, football administrators and former international stars. The presentation of 10 vehicles to deserving Deltans, including a Toyota Corolla to Most Valuable Player Arigbogha Emmanuel, capped a memorable final that reinforced the tournament’s growing impact on sports development in Delta State.
