Bende Mega Unity Football Tournament Kicks Off as Umunna Defeats Ikwuisii 1-0

The opening game which was held at the Bende Local Government Council headquarters, attracted APC stakeholders, community leaders, football lovers and all lovers of goodwill to the annual competition, which has grown from the Bende Unity Football League established in 2002 into the Bende Mega Unity Football Tournament. A competition aimed at promoting unity, discovering football talents and empowering youths across the Bende Federal Constituency.

Speaking during the opening ceremony, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Chief Emmanuel Onwuchekwa, described the tournament as a platform designed to strengthen unity among communities across Bende, noting that beyond football, the competition celebrates the shared heritage of the people, while providing young talents with opportunities to showcase their abilities.

He highlighted the remarkable growth of the tournament over the years, attributing its success to the commitment of the Deputy Speaker to youth development, while acknowledging the support of friends of Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu for sponsoring the 2026 edition in recognition of his contributions to infrastructure development, education, healthcare, agriculture and human capacity development.

Onwuchekwa encouraged the 13 participating teams to compete with discipline and sportsmanship, stressing that attractive prizes had been earmarked for the winners, runners-up, participating teams and outstanding individual performers, adding that the overall champion would also have the opportunity to compete with winners from other federal constituencies across Abia State and beyond.

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Gabriel Elendu, in his goodwill message, said the competition which started small over twenty years ago, has now grown into a major sporting event in Bende, urging the players to approach the tournament with seriousness, noting that the opportunity could open doors to greater achievements in football. He equally announced his financial support for the competition.

The APC candidate for Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji, represented by Hon. Uzodinma Nwoke, commended the Deputy Speaker for sustaining the tournament and encouraged the youths to maximise the opportunities created through the initiative to build successful careers.

The chairman of the Bende Forum, Hon. P. C. Mbah, praised the organizers for sustaining the tournament for more than two decades. He lauded the leadership of Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, stating that his efforts had strengthened the APC in Abia State, while encouraging participating teams to give their best throughout the competition.

Also speaking, the member representing Bende South State Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on Sports, Hon. Emmanuel Ndubuisi, noted that the tournament has continued to provide a platform for young people to channel their energy and talents positively. He advocated the establishment of a Bende football academy after the competition to nurture outstanding players for greater opportunities.

The Chairman of the occasion, Emmanuel Trump Eke, who represented the Deputy Speaker, disclosed that the 2026 theme, “Unity Through Sport”, was apt, stating that the tournament reflects Benjamin Kalu’s commitment to uniting the people of Bende, while promoting youth development.

Eke highlighted the Deputy Speaker’s legislative achievements and developmental efforts, describing him as a leader who has elevated Bende’s profile nationally and internationally.

Earlier, the APC Deputy Governorship Candidate, Dr Godswill Agu Egbe, lauded  the initiative, which he said,  demonstrates the Deputy Speaker’s commitment to creating sustainable opportunities for young people through sports and community engagement.

He noted that the atmosphere of excitement, cultural display and active participation by the youths, reflected the positive impact of the programme on the people and urged the players to remain dedicated, reminding them that many successful football stars began from similar grassroots competitions.

The opening fixture ended with Umunna securing a narrow 1-0 victory over Ikwuisii to earn the first three points of the tournament, as the competition continues with other fixtures involving the remaining participating teams.