Victor Ikpeba, the 1997 African Footballer of the Year, has announced that the fourth edition of his Victor Ikpeba 5-A-Side soccer tournament will honour the late Dapo Sotunumi, a respected journalist who passed away unexpectedly last week. Ikpeba described Sotunumi as a steadfast supporter who had inspired him to organize the tournament.
“It’s painful that we had bigger plans for this event, and suddenly he’s no longer with us. This dedication is a small way to appreciate his unwavering contributions,” Ikpeba shared. The under-20 tournament will run from December 17th to 21st at De Cloud Arena near Warri, Delta State.
The competition will award cash prizes to the top three teams ₦350,000 for first place, ₦200,000 for second, and ₦100,000 for third. Organizers encourage interested teams to register, with the tournament draw date to be announced soon.
Editorial
Victor Ikpeba’s decision to dedicate the 5-A-Side tournament to Dapo Sotunumi is a heartfelt tribute that speaks volumes about the journalist’s impact. Beyond honouring his memory, this gesture underscores the profound influence of partnerships in sports development. Sotunumi’s dedication to promoting grassroots football highlights the role of media professionals in nurturing the game.
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The tournament itself is more than a competition it’s a platform to inspire and develop young talents. By creating opportunities for under 20 players to showcase their skills, Ikpeba not only gives back to the community but also fosters the next generation of Nigerian footballers.
Grassroots initiatives like this are crucial for bridging the gap between talent and opportunity. They provide a stage for aspiring players to shine while reminding us of the collective effort needed to grow the sport. As we celebrate Dapo Sotunumi’s contributions, let us also recognize the importance of preserving and expanding such impactful projects.
Did You Know?
- Victor Ikpeba was nicknamed the “Prince of Monaco” during his successful stint at AS Monaco in France.
- The 5-A-Side tournament format is designed to improve players’ technical skills due to its fast paced and close-contact nature.
- Dapo Sotunumi was a veteran journalist known for his advocacy for youth football in Nigeria.
- Delta State, the tournament’s host, is a significant hub for producing top Nigerian football talents.
- The Victor Ikpeba 5-A-Side tournament started as a local initiative to promote grassroots football but has gained national recognition over the years.
