The much-anticipated Godfrey Pondi Football Tournament is set to kick off on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, in Burutu, headquarters of Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State.
The 11-day competition, which will climax with a grand finale on Saturday, January 24, 2026, is organised in honour of High Chief Godfrey Tare Pondi, General Manager of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, in recognition of his sustained contributions to youth development across the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the tournament is aimed at celebrating, empowering and engaging youths through sports, while also promoting unity and peaceful coexistence among communities in the area.
The sponsor noted that the competition is a token of appreciation for Chief Pondi’s unwavering support for young people, particularly in the areas of education, employment and sports development.
Speaking on preparations, a member of the organising committee, Princewill, disclosed that arrangements were in top gear, adding that draws and match fixtures had already been concluded. He said participating teams were currently fine-tuning their preparations ahead of what he described as an exciting “round leather game” showdown.
“The tournament schedule has been carefully designed to give every team adequate opportunity to display their talents and compete fairly,” he said.
High Chief Pondi is widely regarded for his philanthropic gestures in the region. He is the founder of the Godfrey Pondi Book Club, an initiative aimed at promoting reading culture among Ijaw youths, and has also facilitated scholarships and employment opportunities through Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited. The football tournament is part of a series of community-driven initiatives he has supported across the Niger Delta.
The competition is expected to attract a large turnout of football enthusiasts from Burutu and neighbouring communities, with organisers projecting a boost to local economic activities and stronger communal bonds. Observers note that similar tournaments in the past, including the Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Football Tournament, have demonstrated the power of sports in fostering peace and social cohesion in the region.
To ensure a hitch-free event, organisers said adequate security arrangements had been made in collaboration with relevant local authorities. Medical personnel will also be on standby throughout the duration of the tournament to attend to players and spectators in case of emergencies.
See Below The Match Fixtures Of The Football Competition
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Amba vs Pupugbene – 4:00pm
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Low Beach vs Court Road – 4:00pm
Friday, January 16, 2026
Okorodudu vs Amba – 4:00pm
Saturday, January 17, 2026
Quarters vs Low Beach – 4:00pm
Sunday, January 18, 2026
Pupugbene vs Okorodudu – 4:00pm
Monday, January 19, 2026
Court Road vs Quarters – 4:00pm
Semi-Finals
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Group A 1st Position vs Group B 2nd Position – 3:30pm
Thursday, January 22, 2026
Group B 1st Position vs Group A 2nd Position – 3:30pm
Third Place Match
Saturday, January 24, 2026
Loser 1st Semi-Final vs Loser 2nd Semi-Final – 1:00pm
Final
Winner 1st Semi-Final vs Winner 2nd Semi-Final – 3:30pm
The organisers have urged football fans and residents to come out en masse to support the teams and ensure a successful and memorable tournament.
