Ụmưzụ Ogbenneishii have emerged champions of the 2025/26 Ogbenneishii President General’s Progressive League, capping a thrilling grassroots football competition designed to discover and nurture young talents within the community.

The Ogbenneishii PG’s Progressive League, a youth-focused football initiative, was created to provide a platform for emerging talents to showcase their skills before coaches, football managers, and club representatives, especially during the festive period when football lovers gather to enjoy raw, exciting talent.

In a fiercely contested final, Ụmưzụ Ogbenneishii edged past Ụmụihi Ogbenneishii, delivering an entertaining encounter filled with flair, passion, and technical brilliance. The match thrilled a large and vocal crowd who applauded every display of football artistry from both sides.

Amaọjị Ogbenneishii claimed the third-place prize, bringing a fitting end to a tournament that celebrated youth development, unity, and the power of sport in community building.

Speaking after the competition, Chief Sir Joseph Onyekwere, sponsor of the tournament and President General of the Ogbenneishii Autonomous Community in Imo State, praised the six participating teams — Ndiohia Ogbe, Umuihiokwu, Umuzu, Amaọjị, Umueleke, and Umuihii — for their discipline and outstanding performances.

“The level of football artistry displayed by these players is truly unbelievable and beyond my imagination. I am proud to sponsor this competition and be part of something so meaningful. This is my way of giving back, and I hope it inspires others in the community to support initiatives like this,” he said.

The tournament coordinator, Sir Bruno Anyanwu, also commended the sponsor for his commitment to youth empowerment.

“Kudos to Chief Sir Joseph Onyekwere for believing in our youth and providing this platform. We hope this competition becomes a stepping stone in the careers of some of these players and opens doors for greater opportunities,” he noted.

The three-month-long tournament ended on a high note, with ₦1.5 million awarded to the champions, alongside consolation prizes and individual awards, including Player of the Tournament, celebrating excellence and talent across participating teams.

Among the dignitaries who graced the event were the President of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation, Dr. Ademola Are, Mr. Okere of the National Sports Commission, and former Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Dr. Patrick Ekeji.