Kanu Storms Bende as OFUJI UNITY CUP 2026 Kicks Off with Talent Hunt, Unity Drive

The maiden edition of the OFUJI UNITY CUP 2026 got underway in grand style at the Amaokwe Item Mini Stadium, heralding the start of a football tournament aimed at promoting unity, discovering young talents, and fostering peaceful coexistence across the 13 wards of Bende Federal Constituency.

The tournament was officially declared open by its sponsor, Dr. Chimaobi Desmond Anyaso (Ofuji), who performed the ceremonial kick-off alongside the Mayor of Bende Local Government Area, Deacon Uwabunkeonye Bassy, and the Abia State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze.

Addressing players and spectators at the opening ceremony, Dr. Anyaso described the competition as more than a football tournament, saying it was conceived to unite the people of Bende while providing a platform for young footballers to showcase their talents.

He urged the participating teams to compete with discipline, fairness, and respect, reminding them that although they would be rivals on the pitch, they remained brothers bound by a common heritage.

According to him, the OFUJI UNITY CUP is designed to strengthen friendship among communities, promote sportsmanship, and encourage peaceful coexistence throughout the constituency.

The opening match produced an entertaining contest between Alayi Ward and Ugwueke/Ezeukwu Ward, with Ugwueke/Ezeukwu securing a convincing 2–0 victory to become the first winners of the competition.

The ceremony reached another high point with the arrival of former Super Eagles captain and Chairman of Enyimba International Football Club, Nwankwo Kanu, whose presence drew loud cheers from an excited crowd of football enthusiasts.

Speaking at the event, Kanu applauded Dr. Anyaso for initiating the tournament, describing it as a strategic investment in grassroots football and youth empowerment.

“It is not everywhere I go,” Kanu said. “I came because Dr. Chimaobi Desmond Anyaso is a good man who is passionate about empowering young people through sports.”

He encouraged the players to give their best throughout the tournament, assuring them that outstanding performers would have the opportunity to be considered for recruitment into Enyimba International Football Club.

The successful opening ceremony set the stage for what promises to be a fiercely contested championship, with stakeholders expressing confidence that the OFUJI UNITY CUP will not only unearth future football stars but also strengthen unity, peace, and community development across Bende Federal Constituency.