The maiden edition of the OneDosh Imo State Unity Cup came to a successful close on Friday, July 24th, 2026 with Imo State University (IMSU) emerging champions after defeating Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education 3–2 in an exciting final at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri.
The month-long tournament brought together eight tertiary institutions across Imo State, providing a platform that celebrated football, promoted healthy competition, and fostered unity among students.
Earlier in the day, the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) secured third place after defeating Federal Polytechnic Nekede 2–1 in the third-place playoff. As champions, IMSU received ₦1 million, while Alvan received ₦750,000 and FUTO took home ₦500,000.
The grand finale attracted an estimated 4,000 spectators, while the tournament recorded an estimated 13,500 attendees across all match days, reflecting the enthusiasm and support the competition received from students and the wider Imo community.
Representing the Governor of Imo State at the grand finale, Deputy Governor, Her Excellency Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, commended the participating institutions for their sportsmanship and praised the organisers and sponsors for creating a platform that positively engages young people.
“I want to thank the schools that competed until the final. Thank you immensely for using your youthful energy so resourcefully,” she said while congratulating IMSU on their victory and encouraging students to continue embracing opportunities that promote unity and personal development.
As title sponsor, OneDosh used the tournament to engage directly with students through on-ground activations, branded experiences, merchandise distribution, and educational sessions introducing attendees to the platform. Students also participated in social media challenges, created user-generated content, and interacted with the OneDosh team throughout the competition.
Reflecting on the tournament, a lead from OneDosh, described the inaugural edition as a success.
“Seeing students from different institutions come together with so much excitement, energy and unity was exactly what we hoped to achieve. Beyond football, this tournament created an opportunity to connect with young people in a meaningful way, and we’re proud to have been part of something that brought communities together.”
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the Deputy Governor of Imo State, the Commissioner for Sports Development, the Commissioner for Youth Development and Talent Hunt, members of the Imo State House of Assembly, university management representatives, sports administrators, student leaders, and other stakeholders.
The successful conclusion of the maiden OneDosh Imo State Unity Cup reinforces the tournament’s objective of promoting unity, sportsmanship, youth engagement, and community development while demonstrating OneDosh’s continued commitment to supporting initiatives that create lasting value for young Nigerians.