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From Akanimo Kufre, Uyo
Eket LGA were crowned champions of the Sen. Ekong Sampson Unity Cup after beating Mbo 3-1 in Sunday’s final at Eket Township Stadium, where Senator Sampson charged youths to harness their football talents through discipline and unity.
Eket seized control early and dominated proceedings, while Mbo managed just one goal in response as the hosts sealed a convincing victory to lift the Senatorial Districts Talent Hunt Trophy before a large crowd.
Addressing players and spectators, Senator Sampson stressed that discipline was essential for success, citing global football stars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as examples. The former sports writer also highlighted football’s commercial opportunities and pledged to help promising talents secure opportunities with top European clubs. He promised improved future editions of the competition and sustained support for school sports development.
The tournament, organised by the Grassroots Federation, GRASSOF led by Mr. JohnEkpenyong, and sponsored by the Sen. Ekong Sampson family featured teams from 12 local government areas across Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District, with the top three teams sharing a five-million-naira prize pool. All participating were entitled to undisclosed among according to organizers.
The senator commended Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Governor Umo Eno, Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu, local government chairmen, and GRASSOF for supporting the tournament.
The final attracted football stakeholders, local government officials, and former Nigerian internationals, including Friday Ekpo and Andrew Uwe, as well as former goalkeeper Bassey Akpan.
