By Akanimo Kufre
The second edition of the Obong Isong Isang Memorial Academies Football Championship is scheduled to commence with a match between Pillar Investors Football Academy (FA) and NNS Jubilee FA on Wednesday, 29th October 2025, at the Uyo Township Stadium.
The Akwa Ibom State Football Association revealed this information during the Draws Ceremony at the Nest of Champions, Uyo last Saturday. The U17 Football tournament is organized in honor of the late football icon and administrator, who played for Jetimo FC, Uyo, Rovers FC, Calabar, and Flash Flamingos FC of Benin.
Isang was a midfield maestro who played from St. Patrick College, Calabar, in 1970 to Flamingos of Benin in 1987. He was the pioneer Team Manager of Ibom Stars (now Akwa United), later becoming the Club Chairman from 2008 to 2016, and Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Sports Council, among other administrative positions.
The Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Football Association, Mr. Samuel Umoh, also disclosed that the prize money would be doubled from N200,000 to N500,000 for the winners. While the 1st and 2nd runner-up will receive N300,000 and N150,000, respectively. Mr. Umoh also stated that strict adherence to age would be emphasized by the technical director.
“We have limited the tournament to U17, and we will be very strict in the screening process. This year’s edition comes with certain innovations. The opening ceremony will be in Uyo on the 29th of October, while the finals would be in Ikot Ekpene Township Stadium on14th of November 2025.”
The inaugural edition of the football tournament had 19 teams, but the organizers have reduced participation to only six teams. Also, the second edition would be played in league format to allow the selection of the best players by scouts and for national development programs.
The tournament is supported by the wife, Lady Barr. Ime Isang and families of late Isong Isang with potential for scholarship awards for outstanding performers.
Meanwhile, the President, Uyo All Stars, Engr. Uwem Umoh announced a personal donation of N100,000 to the tournament. He further declared Uyo All Stars N50,000 award to the tournament Highest goal scorer and N20,000 each to Man of the Match in the 3rd place and final matches
