In a significant boost for grassroots football in Ebonyi State, the prize money for a major local competition has been dramatically increased fivefold. The announcement, made by the sponsor, signals a strong commitment to youth development and sports in the region.
Senator Announces Major Financial Incentive
Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, the Deputy Whip of the Senate, revealed the exciting development during the final match of the Ohamadike Super League in Abakaliki on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. He declared that the prize fund for the 2026 edition of the tournament he sponsors will jump from N10 million to a substantial N50 million.
The senator, speaking to journalists after the thrilling final, explained that the decision was a direct response to the high quality of organisation and the impressive talent displayed throughout the competition. "I am a sports lover, especially football, and I am committed to engaging youths positively to help them achieve their life ambitions," Nwebonyi stated.
Tournament Finale and Broader Impact
The final match itself was a nail-biting affair. Ohaukwu Local Government Area (LGA) emerged victorious, defeating Izzi LGA 4–3 in a penalty shootout after the regulation time ended in a 0-0 stalemate. Abakaliki LGA secured the third-place position. According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the winners received N5 million, the runners-up got N3 million, and the third-placed team was awarded N2 million.
Nwebonyi emphasized that the increased prize money is designed to motivate teams to perform at their peak and to establish the competition as a model for others to follow. He also revealed a key pathway for discovered talent: the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports has pledged to draft outstanding players into the state team, Abakaliki FC.
Commitment to Service and Community
Reflecting on his role, Senator Nwebonyi connected the initiative to his philosophy of public service. "Leadership is about solving people’s problems, and if that is not the reason for occupying an office, then the occupier is there by mistake," he remarked.
The sentiment was echoed by Mr. Chidi Ogbonna, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and the Ebonyi Local Government Areas Coordinators Forum. Ogbonna, who oversaw the entire tournament, noted that the event's success, made possible by the senator's support, met all expectations. He confirmed it was the first competition of such scale organised in the district and that the senator's satisfaction led directly to the prize money increment and the retention of the LOC to organise the 2026 edition.
This substantial investment in local football is poised to energise the sports scene in Ebonyi, providing greater motivation for teams and a clearer career path for the state's budding football stars.
