12/01/2026
Godfrey Pondi Football Tournament kicks off in Burutu Wednesday January 14th
The Godfrey Pondi Football Tournament is set to kick off on Wednesday, 14 January 2026 in Burutu, the headquarters of Burutu Local Government Area, Delta State. The competition will run for 11 days, culminating in a grand finale on Saturday, 24 January 2026.
The tournament is to honor High Chief Godfrey Tare Pondi, General Manager of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited. According to the sponsor, the event is a gesture of appreciation for the support Chief Pondi has provided to youths across the Niger Delta. It aims to celebrate and empower local young people through sport.
Princewill said preparations are in top gear. The draws and fixtures have already been completed, and participating teams are currently warming up for the "round leather game" (football) showdown. The 11-day schedule is designed to give each team ample opportunity to showcase their talent.
Chief Pondi is well-known in the region for his philanthropic work. He has funded the Godfrey Pondi Book Club, which promotes reading among Ijaw youth, and has provided scholarships and employment opportunities through Tantita Security Services. This tournament follows a series of community-focused initiatives he has championed in the Niger Delta.
The event is expected to draw large crowds from Burutu and surrounding communities, boosting local business and fostering a sense of unity among the diverse ethnic groups in the Niger Delta. Similar recent tournaments, such as the Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Football Tournament, have shown how sport can bridge divides and promote peace in the region.
Security arrangements have been coordinated with local authorities to ensure a safe environment for players and spectators. The organizers have also partnered with local health services to provide medical support on-site, ensuring that any injuries or emergencies can be handled promptly.
See more details below:
CHIEF GODFREY TARE PONDI
FOOTBALL TOURNAMEMT, 2026
MATCH FIXTURES SCHEDULE
DATE
FIXTURES
TIME
WED 14/01/26
AMBA
VS
PUPUGBENE
4:00PM
THU 15/01/26
LOW BEACH
VS
COURT ROAD
4:00PM
FRI 16/01/26
OKORODUDU
VS
AMBA
4:00PM
SAT 17/01/26
QUARTERS
VS
LOW BEACH
4:00PM
SUN 18/01/26
PUPUGBENE
VS
OKORODUDU
4:00PM
MON 19/01/26
COURT ROAD VS.
QUARTERS
SEMI-FINALS
4:00PM
WED 21/01/26
GROUP A 1ST POSITION VS GROUP B 2ND POSITON
3:30PM
THU 22/01/26
GROUP B 1ST POSITION VS GROUP A 2ND POSITION
THIRD PLACE
3:30PM
SAT 24/01/26
LOSER 1ST SEMI-FINAL, VS LOSER 2ND SEMI-FINAL
FINALS
WINNER 1ST SEMI-FINAL VS WINNER 2ND SEMI-FINAL
1:00PM
3:30PM