Eziudo community in Ezinihitte Mbaise council area of Imo has won the first edition of the Ikukuoma Mbaise Owerri zonal Under-20 football tournament.
Our Correspondent reports that the final match of the tournament was played at the Ezeagbogu Primary School field, on Sunday.
The tournament which saw 24 communities of the Imo East (Owerri) senatorial district participating was sponsored by High Chief Summers Nwokie, President of the Ikukuoma Sports Development Foundation, owners of Ikukuoma Football Club of Owerri.
A brace by Onyemaechi Chukwuebuka of the Eziudo Ezinihitte community in the 11th and 68th minutes was enough to secure his side a 2-0 win over the Erenabirigwe community of Owerri west council area and head home with the grand prize of N5 million.
Erenabirigwe however had a chance to get back into the game following a 79th minute penalty in their favour but striker, Uchechukwu Ogba, had his miss to rue, with the community settling for a second place cash prize of N3 million.
Speaking during the presentation of awards to winners, Nwokie said that his aim of organising the tournament was to groom and nurture young talents who would eventually become successful professionals.
He thanked the local organising committee led by the Director-General of the Foundation, Mr Julius Nnaji for “a job well done “ and urged urged scouts from Italy who were present to witness the event to open the door to international opportunities for the best performing athletes.
“ This is our way of contributing our quota to youth development through sports with a special interest in football and we promise to keep doing our best for humanity, especially the youths, the driving force of our economy.
“ Ikukuoma football club started this way and today, we are playing in the 3rd division of the Nigerian League (NLO 1) and we are currently putting up a FIFA standard football club here in Mbaise to enable us further develop “, he said.
NAN however reports that the Umuoree Eziudo community, still of the Ezinihitte LGA won the Obokwu Ezinihitte by two goals to one to secure a 3rd place victory and return home with a cash prize of N2 million.
The closing ceremony and final match were witnessed by officials of the Imo Football Association and Imo Sports Commission as well as a host of dignitaries.
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