The 2025 edition of the Senate President’s U-18 Unity Cup is just ten days away, with Abuja set to host young football talents from across Nigeria.
The tournament will run from 7 to 17 November at the Old Parade Ground, aims to foster unity and promote grassroots football development among Nigerian youths.
The competition will feature 16 male teams and 4 female teams drawn from the country’s six geopolitical zones, alongside representatives from the host city.
Among the male participants are Jaguar FC (Abia), Qatar Football Academy (Borno), Uzodimma Babes (Imo), Great Olympic FA (Lagos) and Essien Udim United (Akwa Ibom).
L-R Hon. John Bassey Ekpenyong alongside Senator Ahdul Ningi, Chairman Senate committee on sports and Chairman of the Partnership Marketing and Mobilization committee Hon Ali Gombe. Photo Credit: LOC
Female sides including FCT Queens, Elegant Angels FC (Akwa Ibom), Ebira Football Academy (Kogi) and YoungStars FA (Abuja) will also compete.
Organisers say preparations are in top gear to ensure a smooth tournament. Tournament Coordinator Hon. John Bassey Ekpenyong confirmed that engagements with prominent sports figures and stakeholders have been ongoing to attract greater support and awareness.
Notable figures backing the competition include Senator Ahmed Ningi, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, Senator Mao Ohanbunwa, Patron of GRASOF, Alhaji Mohammed Alkali, Managing Director of the North East Development Commission, and former NFF President Alhaji Sani Lulu.
L-R Tournament coordinator Hon. John Bassey Ekpenyong alongside Senator Musa Mustafa Chairman LOC and Chairman of the Partnership Marketing and Mobilization committee Hon Ali Gombe . Photo Credit: LOC
The Local Organising Committee, chaired by Senator Musa Mustafa and supported by Hon. Ali Gombe and Hon. John Bassey Ekpenyong, has pledged to deliver a tournament that promotes unity and nurtures young talent.
The Senate President’s Cup is sponsored by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, under the leadership of Senator Godswill Akpabio GCON, and continues to serve as a key platform for identifying promising footballers.
