By Akanimo Kufre
Top finishers of the 2024 Governor’s Cup in Akwa Ibom State were on Tuesday rewarded with cash prizes at the Nest of Champions, Uyo.
The delayed prize money was doubled by Gov. Umo Eno, which was received with greater excitement by the football community.
Presenting, the prize money, Paul Bassey, Commissioner for Sports, thanked all the Local Government Areas for keeping faith and putting in their best at the competition.
“We are here today to present you these dummy cheques. Definitely, no matter how you want it, you will get your money today.”
Speaking on behalf of the players, Uyo Team captain Nsikak Sylvanus thanked the Commissioner for a promise fulfilled. “ It was not easy for us, especially captains. At some point, everyone thought the money had gone, but you made it possible.”
The Chairman of Uyo LGA, Dr. Uwemedimo Udoh also addressed the event in his capacity as ALGON Chairman appreciating Gov. Umo Eno for saving the money for an appropriate time.
“This makes a whole lot of sense. We didn’t know the money was going to be doubled. We must thank the governor for doing that for us to encourage the winners that it is good to work hard. It is good to be focused and committed. The chairmen deployed a whole lot of resources to ensure that their teams participated.”
The 2024 Governor’s Cup winners, Ikot Abasi LGA, received million against N5 million originally posted for the trophy winners. Uyo LGA, 1st runner-up, went home with N6 million instead of N3 million, while Urue Offong LGA was awarded with N4 million as Bronze winners.
Many football stakeholders in the state appreciated Gov. Eno for resuscitation of the long abandoned Governor’s Cup competition. Some highlighted that the competition has improved football talents who now play for various clubs in Nigeria.