Oriental Energy Football Cup Set for Kick-Off in Maiduguri as 48 Teams Battle for Glory

Oriental Energy Football Cup Set for Kick-Off in Maiduguri as 48 Teams Battle for Glory

By Auwal Ahamad Umar

Everything is now in place for the maiden edition of the Oriental Energy Football Cup, with the tournament scheduled to kick off on April 6, 2026, in Maiduguri, Borno State.

The competition is expected to bring 48 football teams drawn from Maiduguri and neighbouring local government areas together in what organisers describe as a major grassroots football fiesta aimed at promoting unity, sportsmanship, and talent discovery.

The tournament will follow a knockout format, ensuring that every match is a high-stakes encounter for the participating clubs, according to the organisers.

The teams have been grouped into 12 groups, while the opening fixture will see Mafoni Warriors take on FC Crack at Ramat Square, Maiduguri.

The official draw ceremony was held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the Football Association Hall, Elkanemi Warriors Sports Centre, Maiduguri, where club officials, coaches, and football stakeholders gathered to witness the pairing of teams ahead of the competition.

One of the key moments at the event was an update on the new Laws of the Game, delivered by respected Borno-based referee Ali Sharu, popularly known as Ali Wulari. During the session, he explained recent changes in football regulations to participating teams and clarified several issues raised by coaches.

The interactive session allowed club officials to seek explanations on areas of concern, with Ali Sharu providing detailed responses to ensure deeper understanding of the revised football rules before the start of the tournament.

Speaking after the draw, Coach El-Ahmed Goni, commonly known as Coach Nasara of the Mafoni Warriors, praised the organisers for putting together what he described as a commendable football competition. He also expressed hope for a successful and peaceful tournament.

Also reacting, Coach Ibrahim Ali Kellu, also known as Coach Dala, described the competition as one of the best initiatives by football stakeholders in the state, despite being its first edition.

He noted that the tournament would be highly competitive because of its knockout format, where every team must fight to survive.

In his remarks, the chairman of the Borno State Club Owners Association, Ibrahim Mohammed, commended the local organising committee for what he called a well-coordinated and transparent draw ceremony.

He urged all participating clubs to maintain discipline throughout the competition and advised team officials to properly educate their players and supporters on the updated laws of football to avoid unnecessary tension before, during, and after matches.

According to him, discipline, respect for the rules, and fair play will be essential to the success of the tournament.

The ceremony ended with the formal grouping of all the teams, setting the stage for what is expected to be an exciting and fiercely contested football championship in Maiduguri.

With growing anticipation among football lovers in Borno, the Oriental Energy Football Cup is already shaping up to be a major platform for showcasing local talent and strengthening grassroots football development in the state.