The third edition of the Mama Ebo Pepper Rice Football Tournament, a veteran football competition for players under 50, is set to kickoff on December 7 at Uwa Primary School in Benin City.
The tournament aims to celebrate the essence of football from the past, while providing an exciting platform for veteran players.
Sam Ogara, Chairman of the Ikpoba-Okha Football Association, explained the significance of the age restriction.
“The essence of this qualification is to leave it to the older ones and showcase the tenets of football you saw in the olden days,” he said.
Strict measures, including individual screening using the National Identification Number (NIN), will ensure compliance with the under-50 age limit. To prevent forgery, NIN registrations less than two months old will not be accepted.
Only five teams will participate this year and the competition features a grand cash prize of ₦1 million for the first-place team, ₦700,000 for second place, and ₦500,000 for third place. Additional awards include trophies, medals, jerseys, and prizes for the Most Valuable Player, Highest Goal Scorer, Best Goalkeeper, and the Fair Play Team.
Safety is a priority for the organizers, with doctors, ambulances, and first aiders on standby throughout the tournament.
Tony Owens, ex-international footballer reassured everyone of a safe tournament.
“Doctors, ambulance, first aiders are ready, we are good to go,” he assured.
The tournament’s emphasis on discipline and nostalgia makes it a unique fixture in the football calendar, and fans are eagerly anticipating the kickoff.
