NIFT 2025: Big Child Initiative Uses Football to Unite Ndokwa Land

The Ndokwa Interschools Football Tournament 2025 (NIFT) has kicked off in Delta State, bringing together talented secondary school students from 44 schools across Ndokwa land in a grassroots competition that runs from November 11 to December 11.

Hosted by the Big Child Initiative, the event is designed not only to promote talent discovery and academic excellence but also to foster peace, unity, and community cohesion while steering young people away from social vices.

Founder of the Big Child Initiative, Ifeanyi Samson, explained that the tournament was conceived to inspire children in Ndokwa land to become the best version of themselves.

‘What we are doing is far more than organising a game; it is about creating opportunities, nurturing dreams, and inspiring a generation,’ he said. He added that the vision of the initiative has always been to build platforms where the less privileged can dream big, showcase their skills, and gain confidence for the future.

Samson described the tournament as a powerful expression of unity, noting that every pass, every goal, and every act of support reflects the strength of teamwork.

‘Remember, the cup is not just a prize, it symbolises what we can achieve when we stand together,’ he remarked.

He further emphasized that the mission of the initiative is to empower young people through education, mentorship, and sports, bridging the gap between passion and opportunity while ensuring that talented youths from underserved communities have the resources to succeed both on and off the field.

The competition has also attracted attention from notable football stars such as Ibezito Ogbonna and Precious Dede, who are expected to attend.

Beyond the trophies and cash prizes of up to one million naira for the winning schools, participants will gain exposure to talent scouts attending both physically and virtually, offering them a platform to pursue future opportunities in the sport.