Over 21 football teams from across Nigeria are set to compete for medals and trophies in the fourth Akwa Ibom State Governor’s U-16 football championship tagged, “Fourth Pastor Umo Eno Arise U-16 Easter Unity Cup 2025.”

The draws for the event was held at the Uyo Township Stadium, venue of the competition, at the weekend. According to the draws, Mkpat Enin Local Council will play Solo Wonders FC of Aba, Abia State in the opening match by 3.00 p.m. after an opening ceremony, which will feature all sports stakeholders and top government signatories from across the nation.

Addressing the teams before the draws, the tournament coordinator, John Ekpenyong, said everything has been put in place to ensure a successful tournament, adding that some national and international scouts will be on ground to pick the best legs for a tour of Europe.

Ekpenyong said that the interest from other states to compete in this year’s Arise U-16 Easter Unity Cup 2025 was due to the performance of the Akwa Ibom State governor and development in sports and the numerous stars that are making Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria proud from the first, second and third edition.

He said that one team will qualify for the quarterfinals from each of the five groups, which include A, hosting Mkpat Enin Council, Solo Wonders FA of Aba, Abia State, Immortality FC of Nsit Atai, Green Land Academy of Benue State and De Ark FC of Ikot Ekpene.

Group B is made up of Oruk Anam Council, Onna Council, KMK Academy of Oron/Uyo and Future Great Stars of Nsit Ibom.

In Group C are Bright Stars of Eket, ALGON Boys FC of Uyo, Eagles Eye FC of Oron and Team Shendam of Plateau State, while Group D comprises Vifa Academy of Mbo, Dynamic SPMD of Ini, Redemption FA of Nsit Ibom and Memories Sports FA of Uruan.Playing in Group E are Ngwa United of Abia State, Ndito Charles Udo of Uyo, Macito Solution FC of Ibiono and Pillar Sports Academy of Itu.