Senator Sampson meets LGAs coordinators, unveils tournament jerseys

Senator Sampson meets LGAs coordinators, unveils tournament jerseys

“We may not know Argentina’s president, but we know Messi; that’s what football can do” —Senator Ekong Sampson

The Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District Senator, Distinguished Senator Dr. Ekong Sampson, PhD, today met with Local Government Coordinators of the Sen. Dr. Ekong Sampson Unity Cup 2026 at the Nelson Mandela Conference Hall, Watbridge Hotel,

The engagement formed part of preparations for the highly anticipated tournament and featured the formal presentation of official jerseys to the 12 LGA Coordinators and the unveiling of Tournament Ambassadors.

Delivering the welcome address, the National President, Grassroots Sports Federation - GRASOF and Tournament Coordinator, Hon. John Ekpenyong* expressed gratitude to God and to the Senator for making the tournament a reality.

Hon. Ekpenyong stated the importance of the tournament to our communities saying:

"This Unity Cup is about more than winning trophies. It is about giving our youth a sense of belonging, discovering hidden talents, and creating pathways out of idleness into productivity. For many of our young people, this is their first big stage."

He outlined what the youth stand to gain.

"Beyond the game, our youth will gain exposure, discipline, mentorship, economic opportunities, and for 3 outstanding players, professional trials in Belgium and Germany. This is GRASOF: CATCH THEM YOUNG in action."

The Tournament Coordinator eulogized the Sponsor, Senator Dr. Ekong Sampson for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment:

"We thank Distinguished Senator Dr. Ekong Sampson PhD for his magnanimity. This tournament is borne out of his love for the youth and his belief that from the grassroots, we can raise champions who will put Akwa Ibom South on the world map."

Hon. Ekpenyong also thanked the Executive Chairman of Ikot Abasi LGA, Hon. Ime Williamson Essien, other dignitaries present, and *commended the Governor’s drive in sports development in the state, led by Elder Paul Bassey, Commissioner for Sports Development, for interpreting the Governor’s vision.

He used the medium to encourage all 12 LGAs to fully support and participate in the tournament, stressing that the benefits will be enormous for unity, talent discovery and community development.

Speaking at the meeting, Senator Ekong Sampson PhD emphasized the power of football to promote unity, create employment opportunities, and project communities onto the global stage.

He stated: "We may not know the name of Argentina’s President, but we all know Lionel Messi is from Argentina. The same applies to Portugal; many of us may not know the name of its President, but we know Cristiano Ronaldo. That is what football can do."

He urged the Coordinators to embrace the tournament as an opportunity to foster unity across the 12 LGAs. adding:

"As one, you can defeat your enemies. So, let us unite ourselves through football."

The Senator stressed that the Unity Cup is more than football. It is a vehicle for unity, peace, and economic empowerment.

He underscored the abundant economic opportunities in sports development* - from talent scouting, coaching, and officiating, to tourism, hospitality and local businesses.

He charged the organizers to uphold transparency and professionalism, emphasizing that the tournament must truly "GRASOF: CATCH THEM YOUNG" and raise the next generation of stars.

He further called on GRASOF to consider extending the initiative to female footballers by planning a similar tournament for women in the district.

Senator Ekong Sampson commended the Grassroots Sports Federation - GRASOF, led by Hon. John Ekpenyong, and the Central Planning Committee for their dedication to bringing the youth together through sports.

He said: "I thank GRASOF for all they do to bring our youth together. Your commitment to grassroots development is deeply appreciated."

The highlight of the meeting was the presentation of jerseys to the 12 LGA Coordinators by the Senator.

Dignitaries present included: Hon. Ime Williamson Essien - Executive Chairman, Ikot Abasi LGA, Hon. Ubong Ekefre - former Chairman, Mkpat Enin LGA, another Former Chairman, Mkpat Enin LGA, members of MOC, LOC, all 12 LGA Coordinators and other stakeholders.

Others are the Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District Unity Cup 2026 Tournament Ambassadors: Coach Friday Femi Ekpo, Etim 'Africa Maradona' Esin MON, Kingsley Udoh, and Germany-based Coach and former Flying Eagles Captain, Coach Andrew Uwe*, alongside other Sports Icons, Cultural Leaders, and Youth Leaders from Akwa Ibom South.

The Ambassadors are expected to champion advocacy, mobilization, and mentorship* throughout the tournament.

The Sen. Dr. Ekong Sampson Unity Cup 2026 will feature teams from all 12 LGAs of Akwa Ibom South.

Kickoff: *Sunday, 20th September 2026, 2PM

Venue:Eket Township Stadium

Opening Match:MKPAT ENIN FC The Elephant Leg People VS IKOT ABASI FCThe People of God

Grand Prize:* The top 3 best players will win professional trials in Belgium and Germany.

The tournament is expected to provide a platform for discovering young football talents while promoting unity, friendship and healthy competition across Akwa Ibom South.