The city of Ikot Ekpene came alive on Sunday as the eagerly awaited 2021 Niger Delta Peace cup finally kicked off at the expansive Ikot Ekpene Stadium.
The tournament which is organised by the leading name in grassroots development and management in Nigeria, Grassroot Sports Federation of Nigeria, (GRASOF) and supported by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is aimed at not only cementing the bond of unity and understanding in the Niger Delta region but also promoting a platform for the discovery and harnessing of football talents in the country.
At the occassion were dignitaries from the NDDC led by the Sole Administrator of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Pastor (Barr) Effiong Akwa and the Chief of Staff to the Minister, Ministry Niger Delta Affairs, Sir Etekamba Umoren. The latter performed the ceremonial kick-off on behalf of the Minister, Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.
Ex-internationals Austin Eguavoen,
Samson Siasia, Tijani Babangida, Etim Esin, James Etokebe and others also added colour to the occassion.
The one-week-long tournament will feature club sides from the different states of the Niger Delta; Abia, Cross-River, Akwa-Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Imo, and Ondo states.
In the opening game played on Sunday, ALGON FC, representing Akwa Ibom were held to a goalless draw by Ekimogun FC from Ondo state.
The one week long tournament will feature 2 teams from each of the 9 states of the Niger Delta and ends on the 19th December.