History was made in Ndokwa, Delta State between November 11 and January 12 as a bold vision translated into reality with the successful hosting of the largest inter-school football tournament ever recorded in the Ndokwa land.
Tagged, Ndokwa Interschools Football Tournament, the landmark event was organised and convened by Mr. Ifeanyi Samson Mogbolu, a rising community leader, youth advocate, and social influencer, under the platform of Big Child Initiative for the Less Privileged.
Abbi Grammar School, Abbi, edged out Ashaka Community School (6-5 via penalty shootout) after a total of forty-eight (48) secondary schools participated in the tournament, making it unprecedented in scale, coordination, and community impact. The competition showcased outstanding youth talent, discipline, unity, and sportsmanship, while setting a new benchmark for grassroots development initiatives in Ndokwa.
With the conclusion of the tournament, a total prize sum of ₦1,000,000 (One Million Naira) was awarded to the winning team — a strong statement of investment in youth excellence and future leadership.
The tournament reflects Mr. Mogbolu’s leadership philosophy, rooted in service, inclusion, youth empowerment, and sustainable development. Conceived as an act of charity and social responsibility, the initiative leveraged sports as a unifying force to inspire hope, discover talent, and strengthen communal bonds.
Although unavoidably absent in person, Mr. Ifeanyi Samson Mogbolu remained fully present in vision, coordination, and purpose, ensuring effective execution through strategic delegation and community collaboration — a defining quality of modern leadership.
Community leaders and stakeholders present described the event as a historic milestone for Ndokwa, applauding its peaceful conduct, massive participation, and enduring social value.
In line with the tournament’s objective of talent discovery and youth development, exceptional performances were recognised with Oyeme Joshua and Joseph Bethel clinching the Most Valuable Player and the Best Goalkeeper respectively.
According to Mrs. Esvee Solomon, the project coordinator, plans have been perfected to take the careers of the honoured young players forward.
“These young athletes have emerged as symbols of the vast potential within Ndokwa Nation and beneficiaries of a platform designed to nurture future champions and leaders. Our President, Ifeanyi Mogbolu has concluded arrangements with former Nigerian soccer international, Ibezito Ogbonna, who graced the finals today to get the boys into good football academies where they can take their dreams to the next level”, she said.
The dignitaries present at the event include: Ibezito Ogbonna, (Former Professional football Striker (Israel), Comr. Sagboje Odiri Milton, (CLN, State Chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Delta State), Comr. Agarivbie Igho Francis (National President, Global Youth Initiative & Leader, NYCN), Comr. Adugbo Akpo James (Delta Central Vice Chairman, NYCN), Comr. Amb. Eyefia Oliver (Chairman, Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Delta State), Comr. Enueme Paul, (Delta North Vice Chairman, NYCN), Comr. Enyabine Ndidi Oscar, Comr Cyril Kokorhaye (Leader, Nigerian Red Cross Society, Delta South), Comrade Mrs. Serah Couple (Leader, National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Delta South), Hon. Charles Chukwuemeka Emetulu (Member Representing Ndokwa West, Delta State House of Assembly), Chief Patrick Onugbor (Traditional Ruler, Ndokwa Nation) and Ogbuefi Gabriel Egutu, a traditional leader amongst many others.