Kanu Nwankwo Academy DG storms Uyo for Pastor Umo Eni Easter U-17 Unity Cup final

Kanu Nwankwo Academy DG storms Uyo for Pastor Umo Eni Easter U-17 Unity Cup final

The Grand Finale of the 5th Pastor Umo Eno Easter Under-17 Unity Cup 2026 is set to receive a major boost as the Director General of Kanu Nwankwo Football Academy (KIFA), alongside Nigerian football legend King Kanu Nwankwo “Papilo” and renowned football administrator Hon Dabo Ajibade, confirms attendance at the finals slated for Friday, 24th April 2026 at the Uyo Township Stadium by 2:00 PM.

KIFA will also use the occasion to celebrate the birthday of His Excellency Governor Pastor Umo Eno PhD. King Kanu Nwankwo is eulogize the Governor’s massive investment in sports infrastructure and his unwavering commitment to youth development through sports in Akwa Ibom State.

The championship, organized by the Grassroots Sports Federation (GRASOF), has been running since 20th March 2026 with over 600 Under-17 players drawn from the 31 Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State. The tournament has already produced over 45 outstanding talents profiled for national development.

Speaking ahead of the finals, Hon John Ekpenyong, National President of GRASOF, said the presence of King Kanu Nwankwo and the KIFA delegation underscores the national importance of the tournament and the quality of talents discovered.

“This is what the ARISE Agenda of His Excellency Governor Pastor Umo Eno is about – taking youths off the streets and giving them a platform to shine. Having Papilo and Hon Dabo Ajibade here to also celebrate our Governor’s birthday tells these young boys that their dreams are valid,” Ekpenyong stated.

The Kanu Nwankwo Football Academy team will use the finals to scout exceptional talents for admission into the Academy, creating a direct pathway from the grassroots of Akwa Ibom to national and international football.

GRASOF Chairman, Akwa Ibom State, Comrade Ita Peters, added that the Ministry of Youth and Sports, top APC stakeholders, ex-internationals, and the National U-17 coaching crew are also expected at the Grand Finale.

The Pastor Umo Eno Easter Under-17 Unity Cup is held annually to promote peace, unity, and youth development in line with the Governor’s ARISE Agenda

Media Unit