The second edition of thea Osomkeme Blankson Unity Soccer Tournament has kicked off in Opolo, with 25 teams competing for the trophy and cash prizes.
The competition, which drew only teams from Constituency 1 in its debut last year, has grown to 25 teams this season, with a prize money of ₦1.5 million for the champions, ₦1 million for runners-up, and ₦500,000 for third place.
Speaking shortly after the opening ceremony in Opolo, Chief Ozomkeme said the expansion was aimed at unearthing more football talent and deepening unity across the LGA.
“We want every community to feel part of this. Football is giving our young ones direction and bringing our people closer,” he said.
Tournament organiser Dumeze Akuegbe told journalists that the first edition had already helped resolve land-related conflicts in parts of the LGA.
“What politics could not settle, football has done,” he said, adding that scouts from the Bayelsa Feeder Team are monitoring the games for possible recruitment.
The royal father of Opolo, HRH Eniye Moneyman, described the tournament as “a gift to the youths and a bridge for peace,” while thanking Chief Osomkeme for single-handed funding the event.
The opening fixture between defending champions Yenezuegene and Famgbe ended in a 0-0 draw. Both teams expressed satisfaction with the point and promised fireworks in coming matches.
The tournament continues over the next few weeks across various centres in Yenagoa LGA.
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