The annual Delta State Principals’ Cup football competition, organized for all secondary schools in the state and sponsored by Zenith Bank Plc, has seen a significant increase in participation this year.

In a remarkable growth, the number of schools entering the competition surged from 167 in its inaugural edition to an impressive 615 this year. Dr. Ifeanyi Attama, Branch Head of Zenith Bank PLC in Asaba, shared this exciting news during a press briefing announcing the kickoff of the 2024 Zenith Bank/Delta Principals’ Cup Football Competition.

Dr. Attama urged the State’s Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education to document the standout players from this year’s edition. He expressed hope that these talented individuals would not only represent the national team but also secure positions with prestigious clubs in Europe and beyond.

“We take pride in the talent that has emerged from previous editions,” Dr. Attama remarked.

Mrs. Rose Ezewu, the State’s Commissioner for Secondary Education, emphasized that the competition aims to nurture a passion for sports among youth and to identify young talent within the game. She also noted enhancements for this year’s event, including the introduction of the National Identification Number (NIN) to prevent cheating.

Mr. Tony Pemu, CEO of Hideaplus and the event consultant, explained that the competition is open to students from JS1 to SS2, with the exception of those in the SS3 certificate class. He added that the overall winner would represent Delta State at the National Principals’ Cup Football tournament.

Mr. Augustine Oghoro, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, expressed gratitude to Zenith Bank for their continued support of the competition and called on the media for broader coverage of the event.

The competition kicks off with preliminary rounds at various centers on Monday, October 7, with the official launch scheduled for Asaba on October 9.