The Senate Deputy Whip, Sen. Onyekachi Nwebonyi, has announced an increase in the prize money for the 2026 edition of the football competition he sponsors across the 13 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Ebonyi.
Nwebonyi, representing Ebonyi North Senatorial District, disclosed this in Abakaliki during the final of the Ohamadike Super League.
He said the total prize money for the competition had been increased from N10 million to N50 million.
The final match saw Ohaukwu LGA defeat Izzi LGA 4–3 on penalties after a goalless draw in regulation time, while Abakaliki LGA clinched third position.
Speaking with newsmen after the match, Nwebonyi said the decision to increase the prize money was informed by the quality of organisation and the abundance of talents discovered during the competition.
“I am a sports lover, especially football, and I am committed to engaging youths positively to help them achieve their life ambitions.
“The Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports was present and pledged that outstanding players would be drafted into the state team, Abakaliki FC,” he said.
Nwebonyi said the increment in prize money was aimed at motivating participating teams to give their best and making the competition a model for others.
He said his passion was to impact positively on the people, noting that leadership was about service.
“I have held several positions in the past, including commissioner and Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi.
“Leadership is about solving people’s problems, and if that is not the reason for occupying an office, then the occupier is there by mistake,” he said.
Mr Chidi Ogbonna, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), said the competition lived up to its expectation due to the senator’s tremendous support.
Ogbonna who is the Chairman of Ebonyi Local Government Areas Coordinators Forum, said he personally monitored proceedings at the competition from its first day said that it was the first time the district would organise a competition of that magnitude.
“The senator is satisfied with the organisation of the competition which necessitated the increment of the prize money and the retention of the LOC to organise the 2026 edition,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the winners Ohaukwu carted N5 million, while runners up, Izzi LGA, pocketed N3 million.
Third-placed finishers, Abakaliki LGA, went home with N2 million.
