By Favour Bibaikefie

The Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), in partnership with the Africa 4 Peace Sports Academy, has unveiled plans for the 2026 Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup, a multi-million naira football tournament designed to strengthen peaceful coexistence, promote youth development, and deepen inter-ethnic harmony across Delta State.

The initiative was announced by the Coordinator of CEPEJ, Chief Comrade Sheriff Mulade, PhD, who described the competition as a strategic platform for using sports to bridge ethnic divides, empower young people, and promote sustainable peace.

According to Mulade, the tournament has evolved from the former Ijaw/Itsekiri Peace and Unity Football Tournament, which was established in the aftermath of the Warri crisis to foster reconciliation between the Ijaw and Itsekiri ethnic nationalities through football.

He explained that the expanded competition now accommodates six major ethnic groups in Delta State—Ijaw, Itsekiri, Urhobo, Isoko, Ika, and Ndokwa—reflecting a broader commitment to promoting unity and strengthening relationships among the state’s diverse communities.

Mulade noted that the competition aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16), which advocates peace, justice, and strong institutions, adding that the tournament would continue to serve as a practical model for conflict prevention, youth engagement, and community development.

He said the objectives of the initiative include promoting peaceful coexistence among ethnic nationalities, discovering and nurturing football talents at the grassroots, creating opportunities for youth empowerment through sports, and encouraging social inclusion and socio-economic development.

The CEPEJ Coordinator further disclosed that the biennial tournament is scheduled to kick off on November 16, 2026, a date chosen to coincide with the International Day for Tolerance, in recognition of the global campaign for mutual respect, understanding, and peaceful coexistence.

Preparations for the competition, he said, have commenced, with teams expected to emerge from the six participating ethnic nationalities. The event is also expected to attract government officials, traditional rulers, football enthusiasts, community leaders, corporate organisations, development partners, and other stakeholders interested in peacebuilding and grassroots sports development.

Mulade appealed to corporate organisations, government institutions, donor agencies, and public-spirited individuals to partner with the organisers, stressing that such collaborations would enhance youth empowerment, expand opportunities for grassroots football, and strengthen community participation across the state.

He added that partners would benefit from supporting an initiative with an established reputation for promoting peace, building community trust, and creating meaningful opportunities for young people.

Stakeholders believe the Delta Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup has grown into more than a football tournament, emerging as a unique platform for reconciliation, talent discovery, inter-ethnic cooperation, and sustainable development in Delta State.

By Charity Ebi

Morocco have secured their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a convincing 3-0 victory over co-hosts Canada in the Round of 16.

The Atlas Lions became the first team to book a place in the last eight, producing a disciplined performance before taking control of the contest in the second half.

Midfielder Azzedine Ounahi starred for Morocco with two goals, while Soufiane Rahimi added a late strike to complete the dominant win. Canada showed promise in the opening stages but failed to convert their chances, allowing Morocco to capitalize after the break.

The result also marks another historic milestone for the North African side, who have now reached the World Cup quarter-finals in consecutive tournaments, further strengthening their reputation as one of Africa’s leading football nations.

Morocco will now face France in the quarter-finals after the European side edged Paraguay 1-0 to secure their own place in the last eight. The highly anticipated encounter is scheduled for July 9, with a semi-final ticket at stake.

By Rukevwe Odeh

The Football Association (FA) has reportedly reached a clear position on the future of England head coach Thomas Tuchel as the team prepares for their crucial World Cup knockout clash against Mexico.

Despite growing speculation around his long-term role, the governing body is said to remain supportive of Tuchel and is not considering any immediate changes regardless of the result in the upcoming match.

Tuchel, who recently extended his contract to keep him in charge until Euro 2028, continues to enjoy backing from the FA, who view him as part of a longer-term project aimed at sustained international success.

His new deal was designed to provide stability heading into major tournaments and reduce distractions around managerial uncertainty. However, reports suggest the agreement includes performance-related conditions, meaning the FA still retains flexibility depending on results.

The England coach now faces a challenging test against Mexico in difficult conditions, but his position is believed to be secure for the time being as the FA prioritizes continuity and long-term planning over short-term reaction.