By Ikenna Nwokedi 

Olive Charles FA of Ogidi emerged victorious in the fourth edition of the Onitsha Ex-Footballers in Diaspora (ONEFID) Under-17 Unity Cup championship, defeating Ogbaru United FC 1-0 in the grand finale at the Godwin Achebe Stadium, Fegge, Onitsha, on Tuesday, January 6, 2026.

Christopher Uchenegbu's 45-yard free kick in the early minutes of the game proved decisive, securing the championship title for Olive Charles FA and a prize of N1 million. Ogbaru United FC settled for the runners-up prize of N500,000, while Terich FA took home the third-place prize of N300,000.

Individual awards worth N50,000 were also presented, with Uche Ucha of Olive Charles FA named Best Goalkeeper, Victor Maxwell of Olive Charles FA winning the Highest Goal Scorer award with 5 goals, and Chisom Ama of Ogbaru United FC voted Most Valuable Player (MVP).

The annual football programme, bankrolled by ONEFID, featured 12 teams competing from November 12, 2025, to January 6, 2026. President of ONEFID, Nkemakonam Jideofor Nwonwu, emphasized that the competition aims to provide a platform for young football talents in Onitsha and environs to be exposed and secure professional contracts.

Nwonwu assured that the competition will continue to abide by football ethos and laws, commending participating teams for their professionalism and the Local Organizing Committee for a successful event.

Also speaking, President of Olive Charles FA, Amb. Charles Atuanya described the victory as a product of dedication, discipline, hard work and good preparation. He commended the organizers for the noble initiative.

ONEFID members such as Obiora Aniche, Pascal Ejiofor Onya and Pedro Chidiebere Uzoma praised the teams for their display of football artistry and called on the State Government to upgrade the Godwin Achebe Stadium, particularly its playing surface. 

They affirmed that the competition has led to the discovery of football talents, with some young players now plying their trade professionally in Nigeria and abroad.

*Competition Details:*

- Champions: Olive Charles FA (N1 million)
- Runners-up: Ogbaru United FC (N500,000)
- Third Place: Terich FA (N300,000)
- Best Goalkeeper: Uche Ucha (Olive Charles FA)
- Highest Goal Scorer: Victor Maxwell (Olive Charles FA)
- Most Valuable Player (MVP): Chisom Ama (Ogbaru United FC)