As the 2025 Headmasters’ Cup begins in Asaba, Delta confirms its support for grassroots sports.

The Delta State Government has said again that it will put money into sports facilities, training centres, and tournaments for kids.

During the opening ceremony of the 2025 Zenith Bank Delta Headmasters’ Cup Competition between Okwe Primary School, Asaba, and Ezemese Primary School, Ibusa, on Tuesday in Asaba, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori made this announcement.

Prince Johnson Erijo, the Chief of Staff at Government House, spoke for the governor and praised Zenith Bank for continuing to support the Headmasters’ Cup.

He promised that his government will keep the state at the top of the sports world in the country by making long-term investments in youth development.

Governor Oborevwori told the primary school football players who were there to play with passion, discipline, and fairness.

“Keep in mind that you are not only representing your institutions, but you are also writing the opening pages of your own narrative. A lot of great football players started out just like you, on school fields with dreams in their hearts and optimism in their eyes. If you work hard, stay humble, and keep going, the sky will be your starting point.

“Thank you to our teachers, headmasters, and coaches.” You are the most important part of this project. He remarked, “Your mentorship and commitment continue to shape the character of our future leaders and champions.”

Dr. Kingsley Ashibogwu, the Delta State Commissioner for Primary Education, said that the annual tournament has become one of the state’s proudest emblems of its dedication to developing sports at the grassroots level and empowering young people.

Ogunbor Ubaka, a representative from Zenith Bank, said that the sponsorship program is part of the bank’s Youth and Sports Development Program, which fits well with its Corporate Social Responsibility pillars of education, youth empowerment, and community development.

He said, “Over the years, Zenith Bank has continued to invest in grassroots sports, including the Lagos Zenith Bank Basketball League, the Delta State Principals’ Cup, and this Delta State Headmasters’ Football Cup, which focusses on primary school students between the ages of 6 and 12—the foundation stage of academic and physical development.”

In the meantime, Ezemese Primary School in Ibusa, which is in the Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, beat Okwe Primary School in Asaba, which is in the Oshimili South Local Government Area, by a single goal in the first match of the tournament.

Ogun Delight of Ezemese Primary School scored the only goal of the match in the first half. Okwe Primary School missed a penalty kick that was given to them after a player from Ezemese Primary School broke the rules.

After the game, Ernest Success, the captain of the winning team, said he was happy with the result. Oputa Chigoziem, the captain of Okwe Primary School, Asaba, stated his team would get better in future games even if they missed the penalty kick.