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…As 16 schools lock horns for juice prize
From Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin
The flair of the football season once again has descended upon the picturesque town of Uromi like a thunderbolt, as the third edition of the Uromi Like Minds Initiative’s (ULMI) Secondary Schools Football Tournament, with the aim of catching them young, kicked off with an enthusiastic start.
Sixteen secondary schools, drawn from the vibrant communities of Uromi and Uzea in the Esan North East Local Government Area, have converged to compete for the coveted title.
The inaugural match of the tournament was a thrilling encounter between Ehboiyi Secondary School and Okpere Secondary School, ending in a dramatic penalty shootout victory for Ehboiyi Secondary, with a scoreline of 6-5.
Also, the organisers of the competitions warned against schools fielding mercenaries or cheating of any sorts and before this nail-biting shootout, both teams had played to a 1-1 draw during regulation time.
Notably, the game was marked not only by the on-field action but also by the camaraderie between the players and their passionate supporters, embodying the spirit of fair competition that the organisers had hoped for.
Addressing the spectators at the tournament’s opening ceremony, Prince Kenneth Edenojie, the ULMI projects director, spoke on behalf of the chairman, Mr Sylvester Abumere Ekpen, and the organisation’s executives.
He extended a warm welcome to all participating schools and local government council members present, while also delivering a stern message against unsportsmanlike conduct.
“We are fully ready to check cheating and fielding of mercenaries in this edition,” Prince Kenneth Edenojie declared. He emphasised that any schools caught cheating would be swiftly disqualified, urging participants to focus on the essence of sportsmanship rather than a win-at-all-cost mentality.
Furthermore, Edenojie encouraged school authorities to refrain from aiding cheating among students by allowing the participation of individuals who are not genuine students of their respective institutions. This stern warning underscores the commitment of the organisers to maintain the integrity of the tournament and uphold fair play as its cornerstone.
As the tournament unfolds, Edenojie said that the football enthusiasts can look forward to more exhilarating matches adding that tomorrow’s lineup promises an exciting day, with Arue Secondary School taking on Eigbibhalu Secondary School at 10 am, followed by Ufuah Memorial School clashing with Amedokhian Secondary School at 12 noon.
He maintained that the ULMI’s football tournament for secondary schools is more than just a sporting event; it is a platform where young talents can showcase their skills, learn the values of sportsmanship, and promote fair play in the beautiful game.
