The fifth edition of the Victor Ikpeba 5-a-Side Football Challenge is set to light up Warri, Delta State, from December 18 to 20. Designed as a festive highlight for the community and Bet9ja patrons, this year’s event comes with a bigger cash prize of one million naira, adding extra excitement for players and fans alike.
To ensure smooth coordination and maximize entertainment, the competition will feature a smaller, more focused field of eight teams built around local Bet9ja vendors. The action-packed schedule kicks off with Day One producing the semi-finalists, followed by the third-place clash, and culminating in the grand finale on Saturday, December 20.
Victor Nosa Ikpeba, the 1997 African Footballer of the Year, launched the inaugural edition in Surulere, Lagos in 2021. Since then, the event has grown into a highly anticipated celebration of sport and community engagement. Reflecting on the upcoming edition, Ikpeba shared his excitement, highlighting the partnership with Bet9ja.
He remarked, “I don’t know if we would have come this far without Bet9ja seeing the value in supporting the youths. This year’s edition is especially thrilling as it leads into the 2025 AFCON. It’s inspiring to watch these young players push themselves for the trophy. We were like this decades ago, and my hope is that the most talented among them will reach even higher levels.”
The tournament promises more than just bragging rights, offering a trophy for the winners, individual awards for standout performers, and cash prizes for all participating teams.
