MASSIVE TURNOUT AS PUC UNITY CUP KICKS OFF IN GRAND STYLE

•Semi finalist to get cash prices

|By Oluseyi Adedire|

Twitter/Instagram: @oyosportsnews | FB: Oyo Sports Update

Traditional rulers, coaches, referees, Oyo state football association, players and politicians and many dignitaries were present today at the press conference for the unveiling of kits and draws for the second edition of Peller Unity Cup held at the Okeho town hall, Okeho.

The tournament, which is billed to kick off next Tuesday, February 22nd, saw the competing 20 grassroot teams drawn into six groups, with the opening game in Group A featuring Iseyin City against Iwajowa Diamond.

Speaking at the event, Hon Shina Peller, a member of the Federal House of Representative - representing the [Iseyin, Itesiwaju, Iwajowa, Kajola Federal Constituency in Oyo State] told newsmen that the second edition was delayed as a result of unfriendly reports he received -  which might affect the purpose of the competition, he added that the outbreak of Coronavirus led to the postponement in the year 2020. He said the second edition will kick-off as planned and scheduled by the local organizing committee.

"As I said the tournament was postponed twice due to the reports I received that some people somewhere wanted to cause crisis and it might affect our aims and objectives. The other one was the coronavirus disease. This edition will definitely be different, free jerseys, boots, shin guards, balls are here for all teams before the competition. 

On the cash prize for winners and how he intend discover talents, and help them achieve their dreams. Hon Peller said the winner of the tournament will be given #700,000 while any second runner-up will settle for #500,000. He added that teams at the losers final will go home with #250,000 and #100,000 respectively. 

He also revealed that football scouts have been selected to discover talents in every match venue, while charging the local organizing committee to be fair and sincere with their duties.

"One of our players at the first edition is in Cyprus as I speak, there are arrangements for every talents the scout discovered. Also, Man of the Match, best eleven at the group stage and overall best eleven at the end of the tournament will be selected to play against top Nigeria league teams where they can undergo trials."

The event also witnessed former Nigeria international goalkeeper, John Dosu and Femi Opabunmi. The duo also thrown their weight behind the tournament and promised to help the players achieved thier dreams.