Ogbekenu Clinch 2025 Olona Unity Cup, Cart Away ₦3m Star Prize ~ Truth Reporters

 

By Andy Emephia

Ogbekenu Quarters on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, emerged champions of the sixth edition of the Onicha-Olona Unity Football Cup Tournament after a thrilling 3–2 victory over Ogbe-Obi Quarters in a tension-soaked final at the ultra-modern Donald Ochei Stadium, Onicha-Olona, Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State.

The 2024 finalists sealed the famous win through a decisive 68th-minute strike from their jersey No. 7, Onyema, who completed a brace to hand Ogbekenu the coveted trophy and the ₦3 million winner’s prize.

Ogbe-Obi drew first blood as early as the fifth minute, setting the tone for an energy-sapping encounter before a capacity crowd. Ogbekenu responded in the 20th minute when jersey No. 9, Losie Nwabuwane, broke through the defence to beat the onrushing goalkeeper and restore parity.

The momentum swung Ogbekenu’s way in the 30th minute as Onyema fired home to give his side a 2–1 lead, but the advantage was short-lived. 

Ogbe-Obi’s jersey No. 5, a central defender, struck a stunning equaliser in the 42nd minute to ensure both teams went into the break level at 2–2.

The second half was marked by tactical substitutions, tough tackles and cautions, with Ogbekenu eventually reduced to 10 men following two yellow cards. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Onyema rose to the occasion, striking again in the 68th minute to complete his brace and secure a memorable victory for Ogbekenu, avenging their loss in the 2024 final.

At the end of the tournament, runners-up Ogbe-Obi Quarters received a trophy, medals and ₦2 million prize money, while Umuolo Quarters finished third, earning a trophy, medals and ₦1 million after defeating Ishiekpe Quarters 2–0 in the third-place match.

The 2025 edition also introduced a female football category. Umuolo Quarters emerged winners, carting home a trophy and ₦500,000 prize money. Agba finished second with ₦350,000, while Ogbekenu placed third to receive ₦200,000.

Additional honours presented at the grand finale included the Most Valuable Player/Golden Boot award with a ₦200,000 cash prize, as well as Best Goalkeeper and Best Team of the Tournament awards, each accompanied by ₦200,000.

The Olona Unity Cup Tournament is an annual sporting fiesta aimed at discovering football talents and fostering unity among communities. It is sponsored by Speaker Emeritus of the Delta State House of Assembly and President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF), Rt. Hon. (Engr.) Victor Onyekachi Ochei, MNSE, Esq., through the Victor Ochei Foundation (VOF).