Dr. Clement Clinton Blay has lauded the successful staging of the inaugural Osagyefo Memorial Cup 2026, describing the competition as a landmark initiative that underscores his unwavering commitment to grassroots football development and youth empowerment in the Ellembelle Municipality.
The maiden edition of the tournament, organised by the C.C. Blay Foundation, concluded in grand fashion on Friday, July 3, 2026, at the Eikwe Astroturf, where Christian Academy FC produced a commanding performance to defeat hosts Eikwe FC 2-0 and etch their name into history as the competition’s first-ever champions.
Reflecting on the success of the tournament, Dr. Blay commended all six participating clubs for their professionalism, discipline and competitive spirit, noting that the standard of football witnessed throughout the competition reaffirmed the immense pool of untapped talent within the municipality.
“The passion, commitment and quality displayed by the teams have been truly encouraging. This tournament has demonstrated that our communities possess exceptional football talent that deserves the right platform to flourish,” he remarked.
Dr. C.C Blay also reserved special praise for the tournament’s organising committee, chaired by Benjamin Kingsley Bonzoh (Sir Benzyma), as well as the match officials, security personnel, volunteers and supporters whose collective efforts ensured a seamless and memorable inaugural edition.
According to him, the Osagyefo Memorial Cup was conceived not only to provide a competitive platform for emerging footballers but also to strengthen community cohesion while creating opportunities for talented players to attract the attention of scouts and professional clubs.
The competition brought together six community-based clubs, Christian Academy FC, Eikwe FC, Ellembelle City FC, Anokyi United FC, Menzenzor United FC and Baku FC, with each side contributing to an entertaining spectacle that earned widespread commendation from football enthusiasts across the municipality.
Buoyed by the overwhelming success of the maiden edition, Dr. Blay reaffirmed the C.C. Blay Foundation’s resolve to sustain and elevate the competition, expressing optimism that the Osagyefo Memorial Cup will evolve into one of the Western Region’s flagship grassroots football tournaments.
The successful debut of the championship represents another significant stride in the promotion of youth football, providing a vital pathway for promising talents to develop and pursue opportunities at the highest levels of the game.