OneDosh Imo Unity Cup Final Set for Epic Showdown As IMSU, Alvan Ikoku Battle For ₦1m Prize

 ..Event To Also Witness Relay Races Between Institutions 

By Orji Sampson 

All is now set for the grand finale of the maiden edition of the 2026 OneDosh Imo State Unity Cup, with Imo State University (IMSU) and Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education (AIFUE) poised to clash for the coveted title at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, on Friday, July 24, 2026.

The championship match, scheduled to kick off at 3:00 p.m., will bring the curtain down on the historic tertiary institutions football competition, with the eventual champions set to smile home with the prestigious trophy and the ₦1 million grand prize.

Earlier in the day, attention will shift to the third-place playoff as the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) takes on Federal Polytechnic Nekede in a battle for bronze, beginning at 12:00 noon.

IMSU booked their place in the final with an impressive 3-1 victory over Federal Polytechnic Nekede in the first semi-final, while AIFUE secured their ticket after edging FUTO 5-3 on penalties, following a thrilling 1-1 draw at the end of regulation time.

The final has received a major endorsement following confirmation that members of the Imo State House of Assembly, led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe, will attend the championship match. The lawmakers threw their weight behind the competition during a courtesy visit by the tournament organising committee led by Engineer Ugochukwu Obinna Egbunine. Several top government officials and key stakeholders in the sports sector are also expected to grace the occasion.

Sponsors of the tournament, OneDosh, a leading global financial technology platform, have lined up attractive cash rewards for outstanding performances. The champions will receive ₦1,000,000, while the runners-up will earn ₦750,000. The winners of the third-place match will pocket ₦500,000, with additional prizes reserved for the tournament's Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Highest Goal Scorer.

The race for the Golden Boot is expected to provide another intriguing subplot to the final. Ugonna Anumunu of IMSU currently tops the scoring chart with three goals, while teammates Madu Chinemerem and Nwosu Chinedu of AIFUE remain in contention with two goals apiece.

Beyond football, spectators will also witness an exciting athletics programme featuring students from participating tertiary institutions. The events include the 4×400m mixed relay, 4×100m mixed relay, 4×400m men's relay, 4×400m women's relay, 4×100m men's relay, 4×100m women's relay, 100m men's race and 100m women's race, adding further excitement to the festival of sports.

The OneDosh Imo State Unity Cup is sponsored by OneDosh in partnership with the Imo State Ministry of Sports, under the leadership of the Honourable Commissioner, Hon. Obinna Evaristus Onyeocha. The initiative is designed to foster unity among tertiary institutions, promote youth development, and strengthen grassroots sports development across Imo State.

With pride, prestige and substantial prize money at stake, football enthusiasts are expected to converge on the Dan Anyiam Stadium for what promises to be a fitting finale to a tournament that has successfully united tertiary institutions through the spirit of sportsmanship and healthy competition.