By Ikome Christie-Noella Eposi
The Bwinga Community Field in Mutengene came alive on Sunday, November 30, 2025, as the first edition of the highly anticipated Mutengene for Football “Me Na You” Tournament officially kicked off. Conceptualised and sponsored by Senior Notable Mola Paul Etoke, the month-long competition is running under the theme, “Enhancing Living Together Through Football”, a message that resonated deeply with the hundreds of residents who turned out for the launch.
The opening match set an electrifying tone for the tournament, with the Lions of Quarter One overpowering Konnekta FC in a spectacular 3–0 victory that drew loud cheers across the Bwinga Field. With 12 registered teams grouped into three pools, the 2025 maiden edition promises to be a vibrant display of grassroots talent, community pride, and sporting camaraderie.
Speaking during the launch, the organiser, Mola Paul Etoke emphasised that the initiative was born from a desire to keep the Mutengene municipality active, united, and hopeful, particularly during the Christmas season. He described football as a powerful tool for reviving community life and fostering togetherness especially in the context of challenges affecting the Anglophone regions. “This is an initiative to keep the community busy and bring young people together,” he explained. “Football brings life and keeps everybody going. As a senior notable and elite of my village, it is my responsibility to ensure that our youth and population remain united and engaged. This has nothing to do with politics, it’s about community.”
He further assured the population that the “Me Na You” Tournament has come to stay and will be organised annually during the festive season so that holidaymakers can return to an active, entertaining, and encouraging environment.
The tournament offers a FCFA 1.5 million cash prize pool, attracting widespread interest from teams and supporters within and beyond the municipality. According to Head Coordinator Nkengu Seleatin Foteg, the structure of the competition ensures fairness and excitement through a group-stage format followed by knockout rounds. “We have 12 teams divided into Pools A, B and C. The first two in each pool qualify directly, while the best third-placed team joins them for the knockout stage,” he explained.
He highlighted that the first prize winner takes home FCFA 700,000, while the runners-up walk away with FCFA 300,000. Individual excellence will also be rewarded, including trophies and cash prizes for the best goalkeeper, top scorer, best player, best coach, best referee, man of the finals, and even the best fan club.
The initiative received strong commendation from the Sub-Divisional Delegate of Sports and Physical Education for Tiko, Njiwah Augustine Ndam, who described the tournament as a timely and transformational effort for youth empowerment. “Behind every successful initiative, there is always someone making a sacrifice,” he remarked. “What Mr. Etoke has done deserves recognition. Many people have more means but do not think of giving back to their communities. This competition will not only engage the youth but also spotlight Tiko and Mutengene during a period when few events take place.”
He further announced intentions to involve regional authorities in subsequent editions so that the effort receives the broader support it deserves.
Teams participating in this maiden edition include Talented FC, Galaxy 11, Only The Family (OTF), Sea Breeze FC, Qtr 7 Soccer Boys, Qtr 2 FC, Lions of Quarter One, Konnekta FC, Laimbue FC, CBC Monday Sharp Sante, Goal Getters, and London FC.
As the tournament unfolds and excitement continues to build, residents of Mutengene are already celebrating what they describe as a refreshing return to community life. For many, the “Me Na You” Tournament is more than a competition, it is a symbol of renewed unity, resilience, and shared joy at a time when the region needs it most.
With the finals slated for December 28, 2025, all eyes are now on the Bwinga Community Field, where football, friendship, and the spirit of togetherness are expected to take center stage for the next four weeks.