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…As IFA Promotes Unity In Ikwerre Land via Football
By Emma Sunday
Rumuodomaya FC of Obio/Akpor local government area, have emerged winners of the maiden Iwhuruohna Unity Cup, IUC’25, tournament, in Rivers State.
The tournament, organised by the Ikwerre Football Association, IFA, kicked off on November 9, 2025 at Rumuodomaya Central Field, Obio/Akpor, and featured 10 communities from Ikwerre-speaking Local Government Areas of the State.
The participating communities were Rumuodomaya, Rukpokwu, Emohua, Odegu, Uvuahu, Egbeda, Rundele, Omudioga, Elele and Omagw, drawn from Obio/Akpor, Ikwerre and Emohua local government areas.
Rumuodomaya FC were crowned champions and handed the trophy after defeating Rukpokwu FC 5-4 on penalties following a goalless draw in the final played on August 8, 2026 at the University of Port Harcourt Stadium. Emohua FC finished third.
Addressing journalists on the tournament in Port Harcourt on Friday, President of the Ikwerre Football Association, IFA, Comrade Fidelis Isiah, said IUC’25 was conceived as a community-based initiative to harness the unifying power of football and promote peaceful relations across Iwhuruohna, the Ikwerre nation.
He added that the competition was also aimed at grassroots football development, talent discovery, youth empowerment and connecting community players to professional opportunities.
“The Iwhuruohna Unity Cup was designed to provide young footballers with a structured platform to compete, develop their abilities, gain exposure and progress towards professional football opportunities,” Isiah said.
In a major boost for grassroots development, Comrade Isiah announced that five players from the tournament; Chimeka Georgewill of Rumuodomaya FC; Precious Wokoma of Uvuahu FC; Nnamdi Larry of Rukpokwu FC; Dinho Emmanuel of Emohua FC; and Ogundu Godswill of Rukpokwu FC, have been selected for further assessment linked to professional football opportunities abroad in Birmingham, UK, Scotland and Turkey respectively.
He disclosed that content from the tournament generated more than 3.5 million views on TikTok, underscoring its growing digital appeal despite funding challenges.
“Despite significant sponsorship challenges, IUC’25 demonstrated the potential of grassroots football as a vehicle for youth development, talent discovery, community integration and social impact.
“Five players from the competition have been scheduled for final assessment before possible opportunities in Birmingham, UK, Scotland and Turkey. This pathway represents an important step towards fulfilling IFA’s commitment to ensuring that grassroots football can serve as a bridge between community football and the professional game,” he said.
The IFA President disclosed that the tournament recorded 57 matches, 121 goals, and attracted over 50,000 spectators across venues. The league stage had each of the 10 teams playing nine matches, totalling 45 games, after which the top seven teams advanced to the knockout phase. League leaders Emohua FC received direct qualification to the semi-finals.
The IFA according to him, also recognised outstanding performers during the competition, with Chimeka Georgewill of Rumuodomaya FC named Most Valuable Player, while Ogundu Godswill of Rukpokwu FC won the Golden Boot. Chika of Rumuodomaya FC emerged Best Goalkeeper and also clinched the Final Man of the Match award.
Other awardees include: Emeka Gremor of Egbeda FC (Best Defender), Dinho Emmanuel of Emohua FC (Best Playmaker), Chi Daddy of Rumuodomaya FC (Best Goal of the Tournament) and Godspower David of Emohua FC winning Best Coach award.
The IFA also named a 12-man “Team of the Tournament” led by Coach Godspower David of Emohua. “Selection was based on individual performance, consistency and overall contribution throughout the tournament,” Isiah said.
The team comprises: Goalkeeper – Hachikaru Godswill of Rumuodomaya FC, Defenders – Bruno Wokoma of Emohua FC, Emeka Gremor of Egbeda; Chiwanzugem Igwe of Odegu FC, Evans Atochi of Rukpokwu FC, Midfielders; Nnamdi Larry of Rukpokwu FC; Dinho Emmanuel of Emohua FC, Chimeka Georgewill of Rumuodomaya FC, Forwards – Ogundu Godswill of Rukpokwu FC, Prince Uche of Odegu FC and Precious Wokoma of Uvuahu FC.
The IFA President, Comrade Fidelis Isiah, thanked sponsors, institutional partners, community leaders and stakeholders for their support, noting that the success of IUC’25 proves the tournament has the potential to become one of the leading grassroots football platforms in the region.
“The emergence of Rumuodomaya as the inaugural champion marks the beginning of what IFA believes can become a sustainable and transformative grassroots football movement,” Isiah said.
He called on corporate organisations, government institutions, philanthropists and community leaders to partner with the Association to make future editions larger, more professional and more impactful.
