OFUJI Unity Cup 2026 Begins in Bende as Kanu Nwankwo Backs Grassroots Football.

OFUJI Unity Cup 2026 Begins in Bende as Kanu Nwankwo Backs Grassroots Football.

The maiden edition of the OFUJI Unity Cup 2026 officially commenced on Sunday at the Amaokwe Item Mini Stadium in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, with former Super Eagles captain Kanu Nwankwo gracing the opening ceremony and applauding the initiative as a major boost to youth development and grassroots football.

The football competition, sponsored by Dr. Chimaobi Desmond Anyaso (Ofuji), brings together teams from the 13 wards of Bende Federal Constituency to promote unity, discover football talents, and strengthen peaceful coexistence among communities.

Performing the ceremonial kick-off alongside the Mayor of Bende Local Government Area, Deacon Uwabunkeonye Bassey, and the Abia State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze, Dr. Anyaso urged participating teams to see the tournament as an opportunity to showcase their football abilities while embracing discipline, sportsmanship, and fair play.

He reminded the players that although they would compete on the pitch, they remain one people united by a common heritage, stressing that the tournament was designed to foster friendship, unity, and community development across Bende Federal Constituency.

Speaking at the event, Kanu commended Dr. Anyaso for investing in grassroots sports, describing the OFUJI Unity Cup as a worthy initiative that would create opportunities for young footballers.

“I came because Dr. Chimaobi Desmond Anyaso is a good man who is passionate about empowering young people through sports,” Kanu said.

He encouraged the players to give their best throughout the competition and disclosed that outstanding talents identified during the tournament could be considered for recruitment into Enyimba International Football Club.

The successful opening ceremony set the stage for what organisers expect to be a competitive tournament aimed at discovering football talents while promoting peace, unity, and sustainable community development in Bende Federal Constituency.

The opening match saw Ugwueke/Ezeukwu Ward defeat Alayi Ward 2-0 to record the first victory of the tournament.