Defending champions, Delta All-Stars International, opened their title defence on a winning note on Thursday after edging Ex-Invisible Leopard All-Stars 1-0 in the opening match of the fourth Ofugara Peace and Unity Football Tournament in Delta State.
The closely fought encounter, played at the Okotogbo Primary School Football Pitch in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area, was settled by a second-half goal from Delta All-Stars International, who held on to their slim advantage until the final whistle.
Ex-Invisible Leopard All-Stars mounted pressure in search of an equaliser but the defending champions remained organised and relied on their experience to frustrate their opponents and secure the maximum result.
The 2026 tournament has been expanded to 32 veteran All-Stars clubs from the three senatorial districts of Delta State, bringing together former professional and grassroots players in a competition aimed at promoting peace, unity and stronger community ties.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, a member of the Ofugara Give Back Initiative Board, Antoinette Obiuwevbi, described the tournament as more than a football event, saying it provides former players with an avenue to remain active while contributing positively to society.
Obiuwevbi urged the participating teams to uphold sportsmanship and give their best throughout the competition, while appealing for continued support to enable the initiative to grow and remain sustainable.
She commended the Chairman of the Ofugara Foundation, Silva Ofugara, for his commitment to humanitarian causes and also acknowledged the Delta State Government for supporting an environment conducive to sports development and talent discovery.
The tournament, which features several former football stars, offers the veterans an opportunity to relive their playing days while strengthening relationships among former players and communities across the state. The organisers have also put up a N10m grand prize, with the participating teams set to battle for the trophy and prize money.
