Urhobo College, Effurun, has won the 2025 edition of the Zenith Bank/Delta State Principal’s Cup after beating Ogbe-Ijoh Grammar School, Ogbe-Ijoh, 2–1 in the final match played at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.
Urhobo College opened scoring in the early minutes of the first half by Ajima Samson and increased the score to two before half time through Praise Gafar.
At the commencement of the second half, Ogbe Ijoh Grammar School reinforced into the game, a performance that paid off with a fantastic goal through a header by Jobel Doubra.
Several efforts by Ogbe Ijoh to equalize were unsuccessful as the Urhobo College side put up a strong defence, to finish the match with a 2 : 1 victory.
At the closing ceremony, Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori who was represented by the State Deputy Governor, Monday Onyeme, presented a brand-new bus and a cash prize of 2 million naira to Urhobo College, while Ogbe-Ijoh Grammar School took home 1.5 million naira as runners-up.
The Delta State Governor who congratulated the winners for their outstanding performance, said the tournament was in line with his MORE Agenda, which focuses on youth development and creating opportunities for every young Deltan to succeed.
“We believe that education goes beyond the classroom. The lessons you learn on the field: teamwork, discipline, and perseverance are the same values that lead to success in life,” the Governor said.
Governor Oborevworri expressed gratitude to God for the successful completion of the competition and commended all the teams for displaying talent, unity, and the spirit of sportsmanship.
“Today, we have witnessed more than a football match; we have seen talent, teamwork, discipline, and true sportsmanship,” he said.
“The thrilling contest between Urhobo College, Effurun, and Ogbe-Ijoh Grammar School, Ogbe-Ijoh, has been a joy to watch. You have both shown great skill, courage, and determination, and I am proud of you all.”
He also commended the runners-up and other participating teams for their dedication and strong performances.
“To all our young athletes, keep training hard, listen to your coaches, and never neglect your studies. Education is the foundation for every great dream,” he advised.
The Governor further announced that the Delta State Government would soon introduce a special programme to identify and nurture football talents discovered through competitions like the Principal’s Cup, with the aim of developing players for opportunities at state, national, and international levels.
Delta State Commissioner for Secondary Education, Mrs. Rose Ezewu, described the championship as a classroom-supportive event that continues to promote unity, discipline, and excellence among students across the state.
She noted that since its inception, the tournament had grown significantly, helping to groom young footballers who have gone on to represent Delta State and Nigeria in international competitions.
Zonal Branch Manager, Zenith Bank, Dr Ifeanyi Atama, who represented the MD of the bank, expressed satisfaction with the performances of both Urhobo College and Ogbe Ijoh Grammar School players, as well as all the participating schools in the 2025 Zenith Bank Delta Principal Cup football competition.
He said, ”Absolutely, the talents showcased today have the potential to shape the future. This is a season of brilliance! Over the last month, we have witnessed incredible football talent, featuring stunning goals, thrilling saves, and unforgettable tackles. The crowd has been excited, cheering their teams through victories and defeats. The tournament has experienced remarkable growth, with 1012 teams participating, up from 135 in its inaugural edition in 2017.
”Today, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to His Excellency, the Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, for his unwavering support in the state as we gather for the closing ceremony of the 8th edition of the Zenith Bank Delta State Principals’ Cup. In his seminal work, “African Rise and Shine,” Jim Ovia, the Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, inspires African youths to “start locally but think globally.” In this context, Zenith Bank’s contributions to grassroots sports development in primary and secondary schools are both timely and commendable because young stars that you see today will fly the Nigerian flag in Europe, America, Asia, and other continents tomorrow”
Continuing, Atama stated, ”Again, we sincerely thank Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, for his support in contributing to the state’s MORE project development agenda. We would also like to acknowledge the contributions of the Ministry of Education, HideaPlus, participating schools, parents/guardians, officials, football-loving fans, and media representatives whose continuous engagement and comprehensive coverage have significantly enhanced the visibility and excitement of this competition. I congratulate all the teams on their sportsmanship. As we await the 2025 Champion, we look forward to the more exciting 2026 edition”
The Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor, was among the dignitaries who attended and watched the match.
Highlight of the closing ceremony included presentation of trophy to the Champions, Urhobo College as well as medals to all the players of the schools that emerged first, second and third.
Meanwhile, the Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, has commended the teams that participated in the 2025 Zenith Bank Delta Principal Cup, describing the competition as superlative and a reflection of the rich sporting talent in Delta State.
Rt Hon Guwor said such competition portends well for Delta State, as it highlights the potential of young people in the state and promotes unity, discipline, and healthy contest among schools.
“This tournament underscores the rich sporting talent in Delta State and the importance of nurturing it. It sends a positive message about the values of teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship, which are critical for the holistic development of our young people and the growth of Delta State”.
The Speaker in a statement made available to newsmen by his Chief Press Secretary, Nkem Nwaeke, stated that he was pleased to watch the thrilling finals at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, which saw Urhobo College, Effurun, emerged the overall winner, defeating Ogbe-Ijoh Grammar School, with a score of 2-1.
Guwor explained that he donated the contesting trophy for the overall winner of the tournament in support for his love and commitment to grass-root sports and sporting development, promising never to relent in that regard.
The Speaker congratulated Urhobo College, Effurun, on the well-deserved victory, even as he commended Ogbe-Ijoh Grammar School, for making it to the finals and for putting up a good fight and displaying resilience in the tournament.
“I commend Ogbe-Ijoh Grammar School for their spirited performance. You gave Urhobo College, Effurun, a good run for their money, and this competitiveness is what makes such tournaments worthwhile”, he said.
Rt Hon Guwor praised the organizers of the Principal Cup for fostering a platform that promotes sports development, teamwork, and healthy competition among schools in Delta State.
According to the Speaker, the Delta Principal Cup had continued to provide opportunities for young talents to shine, promote sportsmanship, and encourage a balance between academics and extracurricular activities.
He therefore applauded Zenith Bank and all stakeholders for their efforts in making the competition a success.
Rt Hon Guwor also extended commendations to the management and students of all the schools that participated in the competition, coaches, officials, and others who contributed to the success of the tournament.
