32 All-Stars Teams Drawn Into Eight Groups As Ofugara Cup Race Hots Up

Former football stars from across Delta State are set for another round of fierce rivalry after 32 All-Stars teams were drawn into eight groups of four for the 2026 fourth edition of the Ofugara Peace and Unity Cup.

The draw has set the stage for a keenly contested group-stage battle, with teams expected to fight for maximum points and progression into the knockout rounds in their quest for the tournament’s ₦10 million top prize.

The draw ceremony, which attracted representatives of participating teams, officials and football stakeholders, also provided a platform to reinforce the tournament’s core objectives of promoting friendship, unity, sportsmanship and social interaction among former footballers in Delta State.

Welcoming the participating teams, a board member of the Ofugara Give Back Initiative, Barrister Mrs Antoinette Ofugara Obiuwevbi, commended the clubs for their impressive response and commitment to the competition.

She stressed that the tournament goes beyond the competition for trophies, describing it as a platform for former players to rekindle old friendships, renew football rivalries and strengthen bonds across communities.

Obiuwevbi described the competition as a community-driven initiative, saying its growing acceptance and participation by former footballers demonstrated the strong connection between the tournament and its beneficiaries.

She urged players and officials to uphold the principles of fair play, discipline and sportsmanship throughout the competition.

Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Edema Fuludu, assured participating teams of a well-organised tournament, warning that the LOC would not compromise its rules and regulations.

Fuludu specifically cautioned against age cheating, indiscipline and other forms of misconduct, stressing that all players would be subjected to proper screening and verification to guarantee a level playing field.

With the groups now drawn, attention has shifted to the opening fixtures as the former stars prepare to swap old memories for competitive action, with every point set to count in the race for knockout qualification.

Representatives of several participating teams also commended the Ofugara Give Back Initiative and sponsors for sustaining the tournament, describing it as a unique platform that has successfully combined football, friendship, community development and social impact.

The fourth edition, which is the biggest since the tournament’s inception, will feature 32 teams drawn from across Delta State.

The competition will officially kick off on October 1, 2026, with defending champions Delta All-Stars International facing Ex-Leopard All Stars in what promises to be an intriguing opening encounter.

As the countdown begins, the stage is set for former football stars to lace up their boots once again, with group-stage points, bragging rights and the coveted ₦10 million prize all up for grabs.

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