The upcoming edition of the Victor Ikpeba 5-a-Side Football Challenge has been scheduled to take place in Warri, Delta State, from December 18 to 20.
This year’s tournament is intended to add excitement to the Christmas and end-of-year activities for the community and Bet9ja supporters in the region. The 5th edition has been upgraded, offering additional incentives to both teams and players, as the prize money has been raised to N1m (one million naira). The number of participating teams has been reduced to ensure better organisation and to enhance the entertainment experience.
Eight teams, each formed around Bet9ja vendors in the locality, will compete in the football event. Bet9ja continues its partnership in this notable community-driven sports and entertainment project.
The first day of the contest will determine the semi-finalists, with the second day featuring the third-place match before the grand finale on Saturday, the 20th.
Victor Nosa Ikpeba, the 1997 African Footballer of the Year, hosted the maiden edition in 2021, following an earlier version held in Surulere, Lagos. Since then, the tournament has remained a highly anticipated event for the participating communities. He commented on the upcoming competition.
Ikpeba said, “I don’t know if we would have come this far if Bet9ja did not see that it is helping the youths and decided to partner. So, it’s a thank you to Bet9ja.
“This year’s edition is wonderful as it ushers in the 2025 AFCON (African Nations Cup), so it will simply be a build-up to the African event. I am happy when I see these young people sweat out for the trophy. We were like these decades back, and my prayer always is that the very gifted ones find a higher ground to fulfil their dreams.”
Winners, individual performers, and all participants will receive cash prizes along with the trophy.
