Former Nigeria U-23 Star Godspower Aniefiok Earns Praise as Greater Tomorrow Win Tower Unity Cup 2026
Greater Tomorrow Academy were crowned champions of the 2026 Tower Unity Cup after defeating Ibiono Ibom Pro 1-0 in a colourful grand finale held on Sunday, June 14, at Primary School, Ikot Ntuen Oku.
Former Nigeria U-23 star Kufre Ebong scored the only goal of the match in the first half to hand Greater Tomorrow the title in front of a large crowd of football lovers, dignitaries and stakeholders.
The final was attended by the Honourable Commissioner for Sports, Akwa Ibom State, Elder Paul Bassey, who led a distinguished list of guests that included former Super Eagles forward Emem Eduok, Ibom Angels coach Edwin Okon, Akwa United coach Paul Offor, coach Akarandut Orok, foreign-based football stars Dennis Nya and Inemesit Sunday, former Barcelona B player Ezekiel Bassey, Akwa United Media Manager Mfon Patrick and several other football stakeholders.
The competition, sponsored by former Akwa United and Nigeria U-23 midfielder Godspower Aniefiok, popularly known as Tower, began on June 4 with a match between Ibiono Ibom Pro and Mayflower All-Stars.
Tower, who currently plays for Al-Hedod of Iraq, is a product of Greater Tomorrow Football Academy and remains committed to grassroots football development in Akwa Ibom State.
Seven teams took part in this year’s competition, namely Tower & Friends, Ibiono Ibom Pro, Royalty FC, Dynamic SPMD, Mayflower All-Stars, Greater Tomorrow Academy and Immortality FC.
Greater Tomorrow reached the final after beating Dynamic SPMD 1-0 in the semi-final, while Ibiono Ibom Pro defeated Tower & Friends on penalties following a goalless draw.
The tournament produced 31 goals in nine matches and attracted football fans from within and outside Akwa Ibom State.
Speaking during the grand finale via a telephone call, Europe-based Anthony Bassey praised Godspower Aniefiok for organising the competition.
He said the tournament had promoted unity and brought old friends together. Although he could not travel to Nigeria for the event, he said he followed the competition closely and pledged his financial support.
In his remarks, the Special Guest of Honour, Elder Paul Bassey, commended Godspower Aniefiok for investing in grassroots football.
The Commissioner revealed that Tower personally visited his office to invite him to the final, which influenced his decision to attend the event wearing the player’s Al-Hedod shirt.
He also praised the impressive turnout despite the World Cup match between Germany and Curaçao taking place at the same time.
“For us to have this crowd shows that we love our own. When Tower came to my office to invite me for this final, I told him that I support what he is doing, the Ministry of Sports supports it and God will give him the grace to continue.”
Speaking further, the Commissioner said:
“I am really happy to be here. I am happy with the turnout. I am happy with the quality of football I have seen.”
Elder Paul Bassey expressed delight at seeing several former Akwa United players and noted the presence of the coaches of both state-owned clubs, Ibom Angels and Akwa United.
He also reaffirmed the commitment of the Akwa Ibom State Government to sports development at the grassroots level.
“The Governor Umo Eno-led Akwa Ibom State Government is very intentional about grassroots football and grassroots sports development.”
The Commissioner added that the creation of a stand-alone Ministry of Sports has continued to bring positive results for sports development in the state.
He praised the publicity team for the tournament’s “wide publicity”, which helped attract large crowds, and also commended the Local Organising Committee for delivering what he described as a “successful” competition.
At the end of the tournament, Elder Paul Bassey made personal cash donations to the champions, runners-up and the Most Valuable Player of the competition. He also pledged additional support from the Ministry of Sports and encouraged other football stars to follow Tower’s example.
One of the highlights of the ceremony was the presentation of a Player Development Award to Godspower Aniefiok’s grassroots coach, Emmanuel Ntuk. The award was presented by former Super Falcons coach Edwin Okon.
Emem Eduok, fondly remembered for scoring the first goal at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, presented the 2026 Tower Unity Cup MVP Award to Iniobong Nsima, popularly known as Etiti, of Greater Tomorrow Academy.
Coach Paul Offor of Akwa United presented the runners-up trophy to Ibiono Ibom Pro, while the Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey presented the champions trophy to Greater Tomorrow Academy to officially bring the 2026 Tower Unity Cup to a close.
The competition featured both established players currently playing in Nigeria and abroad, as well as promising grassroots talents who used the tournament as a platform to showcase their abilities.
