The curtain has gracefully fallen on the 2025 edition of the Pastor Umo Eno U-16 Easter Unity Cup, closing yet another thrilling chapter in what has become one of Nigeria’s most prestigious grassroots football tournaments.
Held in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, this fourth edition stood out not only for its dazzling football but for the remarkable values it promoted—discipline, teamwork, and unity among the youth.
Emerging victorious in a tightly contested final was Pillars Soccer Academy, who battled Redemption FA to a goalless draw in regulation time before holding their nerve in a gripping penalty shootout, winning 5–4. The champions claimed the grand prize of N2 million, a gold-plated trophy, and gold medals, while the gallant runners-up took home N1.5 million, a silver-plated trophy, and silver medals. The third-placed team walked away with N1 million and bronze medals.
In total, 21 teams competed in this year’s Unity Cup, with four of those—hailing from Imo, Abia, Enugu, and Plateau States—joining teams from across Akwa Ibom, a testament to the tournament’s growing reputation beyond state lines.
Each participating team received a consolation reward of fifty thousand naira in appreciation of their commitment and participation.
Individual awards were also keenly contested. Standout players were recognised in various categories, including Most Valuable Player, Top Scorer, Golden Ball, Golden Glove, and Silver Ball, each receiving fifty thousand naira, commemorative trophies, and medals.
However, while footballing brilliance lit up the pitch, it was Mkpat Enin LGA’s U-16 side that earned the deepest admiration—not for goals scored, but for their exceptional comportment. Named the most disciplined and well-behaved team of the tournament, they demonstrated uncommon respect, humility, and team spirit throughout the competition, embodying the very essence of what the Unity Cup represents.
Reflecting on the tournament’s success, Hon. John Ekpenyong, President of GRASSOF and Tournament Coordinator, expressed pride in both the quality of play and the values promoted.
“This is not just a football tournament,” he said. “It is a platform for shaping future leaders and champions. What Mkpat Enin displayed both on and off the field, is the kind of discipline that wins hearts beyond the scoreboard.”
Elder Ita Peters, the Local Organizing Committee Chairman, emphasized the meticulous effort that brought the event to life. “The energy, talent, and unity we saw across the teams reaffirm our belief in grassroots development. This tournament has once again delivered excellence.”
Hon. Bush Udombo, Secretary of the LOC, shared his optimism for the future. “We set out to offer these young talents more than a competition—we’ve given them visibility, structure, and a sense of purpose. The Pastor Umo Eno Easter Unity Cup is not only a breeding ground for footballers but for future icons of Nigerian sport,” he remarked.
The tournament’s grand finale attracted an impressive roster of sports dignitaries and influencers, including Elder Paul Bassey, representatives of the State Commissioner for Sports, veteran coaches Lawrence Iquaibom and a former national female Coach Edwin Okon, the Chairman of YSFON Akwa Ibom Chapter, Elder Uwem Ekoh and top officials from the Ministry of Sports. Their presence signaled the tournament’s growing influence and institutional support.
As the dust settles on the pitch and the medals are tucked away, the 2025 Unity Cup leaves behind a legacy not defined merely by victories, but by values. From the electrifying goals to the graceful discipline of teams like Mkpat Enin, the Pastor Umo Eno U-16 Easter Unity Cup has once again proven that in the heart of Akwa Ibom, the future of Nigerian football is not only alive—it is rising.