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From Uchenna Inya, Abakaliki
Thirty-seven community football teams in Ezza clan, Ebonyi State, have registered for a Football tournament tagged, “Ezza Ezekuna Unity Cup”
Darlington Ugota, Organiser and Sponsor of the tournament, made the disclosure at the opening ceremony in Onueke, Ezza South Local Government Area of the state at the weekend.
Ugota said the competition was organised for grassroots football talents. He added that the game was also to engage the youths in constructive activities and support youths empowerment policies of the state and the federal government.
“It’s serves as a scouting platform to identify promising athletes while diverting youths from social vices. This Unity Cup is to engage youth, promote peace, and develop future stars. We want to change the narrative. We want to raise local players from the streets to help them improve their playing styles, their thinking and approach to the game,” he stated.
Ifeanyi Nworie, Chairman, Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the competition, said the competition, featured under-13 and under-22 categories.
“We have a total of 37 community teams from the 36 communities of Ezza land. This is simply set to fish out talents that can be harnessed to international standard. This is to create avenue that foster more peace among our people.
“We have hope that the discovered talents will be fully harnessed and utilised. On prizes set for the tournament, we have been careful about that, but the best players and teams will be rewarded handsomely,” Nworie stated.
Mrs Euphemia Nwali, Executive Chairman of Ezza-South Local Government Area of the State, described the initiative as a “welcome development” in the efforts to engage the youths meaningfully and check restiveness.
Nwali charged the young players to take the advantage of the moment, by playing with passion, integrity, and also remember that it’s bigger than winning a trophy.
She, therefore, commended the Organiser, Ugota, and pledged the council’s more support to youths development.
In the tournament’s opening match, a tightly contested tie, Isinkwo and Abomege Football Club shared the spoils in a 3–3 draw, serving up a fast-paced battle that kept the crowd engaged throughout.
The tournament was officially declared open by the Catholic Bishop of Abakaliki Diocese, Rev. Dr Peter Chukwu.
