By Mike Mbonye
Johannesburg – Mr Ephraim Onodu, a Nigerian businessman based in South Africa, says football can be a unifying factor among African countries.
Onodu, who is the sponsor of the African Unity football tournament, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Tuesday that the popularity of football could make the tournament a unifying factor.
He said D.R Congo, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, Sierra Leone, Uganda, Malawi and mixed teams from various countries had registered for the tournament.
“ The games will also be used to unite Africans against xenophobia, bring the people together and give them a sense of belonging.
“ The first tournament was held in 2014 and it attracted a lot of interest. This year`s edition attracted more countries and that is why the incentives are high,” he said.
Onodu said that the winner would get R15,000 (N420,000) while the second place team would receive R10,000 (N280,000), with the third place team going home with R5,000 (N140,000).
The businessman also said that there would be incentives for the best player and highest goal scorer in the tournament.
He said that the Nigerian Consulate in South Africa was supporting the tournament because it was aimed at consolidating cultural integration among Africans.
The tournament kicked off on Sept. 15 and would end on Sept. 30.
