Dangote Cement Unity Football Tournament Opens As Obajana Defeats Iwaa 1–0
The 2026 Dangote Cement Plc Unity Football Tournament has kicked off at the Dangote Academy in Obajana, Kogi State, with Obajana securing a 1–0 victory over Iwaa in the opening match.
The tournament, which commenced on Friday, October 16, brought together teams from five host communities of Dangote Cement Plc's Obajana Plant: Oyo, Iwaa, Apata, Jakura and Obajana.
The competition is designed to promote unity, friendship, peaceful coexistence and stronger relationships among the participating communities through the unifying power of sports.
The colourful opening ceremony attracted traditional rulers, senior management representatives, community leaders and other stakeholders.
Among the royal fathers in attendance were HRH Oba Fredrick Baloguin, Olu Apata; HRH Oba Abel Obafemi Alade, Eleso of Iwaa; HRH Engr. Dr. Idowu Isenibi, Bajana of Obajana; and Prince Matthew Solomon, who represented the Balo of Oyo.
In his opening remarks, the Plant Director, Engr. Azad Nawabuddin, expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to participate in the ceremony and emphasised the importance of the tournament in strengthening relationships among the company's host communities.
He noted that the competition provides an avenue for fostering unity, encouraging friendship and promoting peaceful coexistence among the participating communities.
Following his remarks, Nawabuddin exchanged handshakes with players and match officials alongside other dignitaries before joining the teams for a group photograph. He subsequently performed the ceremonial kick-off to officially declare the tournament open.
The opening fixture between Obajana and Iwaa produced an engaging contest, with both teams displaying determination and competitive spirit.
Obajana broke the deadlock in the first half after being awarded a penalty. Michael Olorufemi, wearing jersey number seven, stepped up and calmly converted the spot kick to give his team a 1–0 lead.
Iwaa intensified its efforts to find an equaliser in the second half, which commenced at approximately 5:17 p.m., while Obajana remained resolute in protecting its advantage.
Despite the efforts of both sides, neither team managed to alter the scoreline before the final whistle, which was blown shortly after 6:05 p.m.
The encounter ended 1–0 in favour of Obajana, making the team the first winners of the 2026 Dangote Cement Unity Football Tournament. Both teams received three yellow cards each during the match.
The opening match set a competitive tone for the tournament, highlighting football's potential to strengthen community relations and promote harmony among the host communities.
Management representatives at the ceremony included Engr. Azad Nawabuddin, Plant Director; Mr. Adeniyi Azeez, Head of HAM/Admin; Mr. Ademola Adeyemi, General Manager, Social Performance; Mr. Hemant Rana, Divisional Director, Dangote Transport; Mr. Peter Agba, Head of HAM/Admin, DCT; Major Hamisu Galadma, Head of Security; Mr. Adewale Adedeji, Head of Dangote Academy; and Mr. Kolawole Johnson, Government Relations Officer, alongside other stakeholders.
The tournament underscores Dangote Cement Plc's commitment to engaging its host communities through sporting activities that encourage cooperation, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence.
With the opening victory secured, Obajana will look to maintain its momentum as the competition progresses, while the participating communities continue to use the tournament as a platform to strengthen their bonds through sports.
