Excellent FC, Morak FC Set the Stage as DFA Federation Cup Draw Unveils ₦5m Prize Race

The draws for the 2026 Federation Cup organised by the Delta State Football Association (DFA) have been concluded, with Excellent Football Club of Ughelli set to lock horns with Morak Football Club of Uvwie in the opening fixture scheduled for Friday at the Oleh Township Stadium.
The ceremony, held at the Patrick Okpomo House, headquarters of the DFA, also produced several mouth-watering clashes in the first round. Go Pro Football Club of Sapele will face Delta Marines of Asaba, while Raiders Football Club of Asaba squares up against Alloy Football Club of Agbarho.
Other fixtures will see Lord Honour Football Club of Warri tackle Winsome Football Academy of Oporoza, as Issele-Uku Football Club battles Telectual Football Club of Warri. FC Planners of Ughelli will take on Ogunbor Football Club of Sapele, while Itamah Football Club of Sapele confronts Winsome Football Club of Gbaramatu.
In additional ties, Bumaphil Football Club of Kwale will test their strength against Young Soccer Academy of Issele-Uku, while Umuaja Football Club faces Igho Football Club of Sapele.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Delta State Football Association, Chief Godwin Adode, commended the 22 participating teams for their commitment to the growth of football in the state. He described the newly secured sponsorship deal with Arthur Ferdinand Limited as a turning point that would significantly improve the fortunes of club football in Delta State.
Adode announced that the winners of the competition will receive a cash prize of ₦5 million, with the runners-up earning ₦3 million. In the female category, the champions will take home ₦1 million, while the runners-up will receive ₦500,000. He urged all participating teams to adhere strictly to the rules to ensure credible representation of the state at the national level.
Also speaking, the CEO of Arthur Ferdinand Limited, Mr Amurun Idama, who was represented by the General Manager, Mr. Ese Ikuku, said the company’s partnership with the DFA is aimed at reviving the dwindling fortunes of football in the state. He expressed confidence that the initiative would empower local clubs to compete favourably with their counterparts across the country.
Idama further disclosed that the company plans to enhance the fan experience at match venues through the distribution of branded jerseys, caps, and other souvenirs to supporters.
Meanwhile, defending champions Warri Wolves and runners-up Sapele Lions have been granted automatic passage to the quarter-final stage. The best-performing team in the group stage, alongside the best loser from the second round, will also progress to the quarter-finals of the competition.