Football took centre stage in Akwa Ibom State as a powerful tool for change, with hundreds of secondary school boys engaged in a life skills-driven tournament aimed at promoting discipline, teamwork, and positive decision-making.
The initiative, led by VCare for Development Foundation (VCDF), in partnership with the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Education, the State Secondary Education Board, and the Eket Referee Society, is helping steer young people away from negative influences through sports.
The project, supported by Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company (SEEPCO) Ltd, is designed to equip young boys with essential life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship through structured inter-school football competitions.
A total of 270 teenage boys from 15 secondary schools participated in the tournament, which spanned Eastern Obolo, Ikot Abasi, Onna, and Mkpat Enin Local Government Areas. Each team comprised of 18 players.
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Preliminary matches commenced on February 25, 2026, across multiple venues including Chief Ukpa Stadium in Onna, Okoromita Secondary School Field in Eastern Obolo, Methodist Central School in Ete (Ikot Abasi), and the Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) Sports Stadium. The semifinals were held on March 14, 2026, at the AKSU Sports Stadium in Mkpat Enin.
The competition reached an exciting climax on March 28, 2026, as Onna People High School, Abat emerged champions after a thrilling penalty shootout victory over Migrant Secondary School, Emeroke, Eastern Obolo.
The Winning Schools are Onna People High School, Abat, Onna LGA who clinched the 1st Place trophy with Migrant Secondary School, Emeroke, Eastern Obolo LGA coming 2nd Place while QIC Comprehensive Secondary School, Ikot Osudu, Ikot Abasi LGA emerged 3rd Place winners.
Beyond the competition, the football fields became platforms for transformation, as VCDF facilitated life skills sessions throughout the tournament. These sessions focused on goal setting, informed decision-making, effective communication, assertiveness, refusal skills, self-awareness, confidence, and teamwork. Key lessons were reinforced before and after each match to ensure lasting impact.
Participants and educators alike praised the programme. “I love this programme because it helps students discover their skills. We saw it in their teamwork, scoring, and coordination,” said Mr. Mboutidem Ono, teacher and game master at Community Secondary Commercial School, Odoro Atan, Ikot Abasi.
Mr. Emmanuel Ebong, Director of School Sports, State Secondary Education Board (SSEB), commended the programme, highlighting football’s global appeal and its role in uncovering and developing young talents within schools.
Student participants also shared how the programme positively shaped their mindset and performance on and off the pitch.
Bright Joseph Friday of Onna People High School, Abat, reflected on his team’s journey to victory: “This competition taught me discipline and how to stay focused under pressure. The life skills sessions helped me understand teamwork better, and it showed in how we played and won as a team.”
Oghenerukevwe Famous Rufus of Migrant Secondary School, Emeroke, Eastern Obolo, highlighted personal growth despite finishing second: “I improved my communication and confidence during this tournament. Before, I didn’t always speak up on the field, but now I guide my teammates and make better decisions during matches.”
Confidence Daniel Evans of QIC Comprehensive Secondary School, Ikot Osudu, Ikot Abasi, who scored for the third-place team, emphasized skill development: “The training and matches helped me improve my game a lot, especially my positioning and finishing. I also learned how to stay calm and make smart choices during play.”
Ezekiel Amos of Esetang High School, Ekim, Mkpat Enin, also shared his experience: “This programme made me more confident, not just in football but in life. I learned how to handle challenges, communicate better, and never give up, even when the game is tough.”
At the close of the tournament, the top three teams were awarded school supplies, while 4 outstanding players received sports scholarships in recognition of their talent and discipline. The Goal Setters Programme aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education), promoting inclusive and lifelong learning through innovative, sports-based interventions.
VCDF reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging SEEPCO’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives to drive measurable, lasting community impact and improved socio-economic outcomes across Nigeria.
