The football community in the state is in high spirits ahead of the highly rated Enviable Soccer Fiesta, which will feature teams from all 13 Local Government Areas. Each council team is expected to showcase its technical quality and competitive strength as they battle for the grand trophy.
The stakes are unusually high for a grassroots tournament:
Winner: ₦30 million
Runner-up: ₦20 million
Third place: ₦10 million
All other participating teams: ₦2 million each
This exceptional initiative is sponsored by Ituma Chukwuemeka Enviable, CEO of Enviable Group of Companies Nigeria Ltd, a transportation and logistics firm. He has invested over ₦100 million in the competition as part of his commitment to youth empowerment and sports development.
This level of financial support at the grassroots remains rare in Nigeria, as no previous community-based tournament has offered such impressive rewards.
Ituma, an entrepreneur from Ohaukwu LGA, has been widely praised for complementing the efforts of both the Ebonyi State and Federal Governments in tackling youth unemployment and accelerating sports development.
The competition will officially kick off this Sunday at the Ohaukwu LGA Pavilion Pitch, where Ohaukwu will face Ebonyi LGA in the opening match. Governor Francis Nwifuru is expected to attend as the Chief Guest of Honour.
Footballers participating in the tournament have been urged to give their best, as FIFA-accredited scouts, officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and the Ebonyi State Football Association will be on ground to identify emerging talents—an opportunity that aligns with the vision of the competition’s sponsor.
The Chairman of the Central Local Organizing Committee, Chukwuka Onwe, told journalists that all preparations have been finalized to ensure a successful and colourful opening ceremony, as well as a smooth competition overall.