Zenith Bank/Delta Principals’ Cup Kicks Off Today in Asaba

Posted : 30 September 2026

The 2026 Zenith Bank/Delta State Principals’ Cup kicks off today, September 30, at the St. Patrick’s College Field in Asaba. The annual competition is designed for secondary school students across Delta State and will run until the grand finale in November.

The tournament is organised by Hidea Plus Limited, with registration for participating schools having opened on September 15. A press conference was also scheduled in Asaba on September 28 to provide details about the format and preparations for the championship.

Following the opening, preliminary matches will take place across the state's local government areas from October 2 to 16. The successful teams will then advance to the zonal playoffs, which are scheduled for designated centres on October 20 and 21.

According to Hidea Plus chief executive officer Tony Pemu, the quarterfinal matches will be staged at designated centres during the knockout phase. The organisers have scheduled the two semifinal matches for October 27.

The grand finale will be played at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba. The final is scheduled for November 5 and will determine the 2026 champions of the school football competition.

The Principals’ Cup continues to provide a competitive platform for young footballers in Delta State. The tournament also gives schools an opportunity to develop their players through organised inter-school competition.

Urhobo College enter the new edition as defending champions after winning the 2025 tournament. The Uvwie, Warri side defeated Ogbe-Ijoh Grammar School 2-1 in last year's final at the Stephen Keshi Stadium.

Urhobo College took the lead just 37 seconds into the 2025 final before extending their advantage in the 30th minute. Ogbe-Ijoh Grammar School reduced the deficit in the second half, but Urhobo College held on to secure the title.

The 2025 champions received an 18-seater bus and N2 million in prize rewards, while runners-up Ogbe-Ijoh Grammar School received N1.5 million. The third- and fourth-placed teams received N1 million and N500,000 respectively.

The 2026 competition now begins with schools across Delta State looking to progress through the preliminary and zonal stages before the knockout rounds. The campaign will culminate at the Stephen Keshi Stadium on November 5.

Zenith Bank/Delta Principals’ Cup Kicks Off Today in Asaba

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