Eziudo community in Ezinihitte Mbaise have emerged champions of the maiden edition of the Ikukuoma Mbaise Owerri Zone Under 20 Football Tournament.
In the tournament’s final game played on Sunday at the Central School Field Ezeagbogu, Ezinihitte Mbaise, Eziudo defeated Ere na Birigwe community (Owerri West) 2-0 to cart home the title and a sum of five million Naira (N5,000,000) cash prize.
Onyemaechi Chukwuebuka’s brace for Eziudo was the difference as the Ezinihitte Mbaise based side emerged victorious while the runners up Ere Na Birigwe were rewarded with three million naira (N3,000,000).
Earlier in the third place game, Umuoree Eziudo also of Ezinihitte Mbaise beat Obokwu (Ezinihitte Mbaise) 2-1 to finish in third position. They were rewarded with N2,000,000.
Meanwhile, the organisers also rewarded individuals for outstanding performances in the tournament.
Achor Chinemezu of Eziudo ward 8, Ezinihitte , was named the Most Valuable Player of the competition while the Best Goalkeeper Award went to Ekenna Godday from Onicha Nwankwo Ezinihitte Mbaise team.
With five goals Chijioke Okeahialam emerged as the Highest Goalscorer. He played for Umuoree Eziudo Community (Ezinihitte Mbaise).
The winners of this individual awards were rewarded with N50,000 each.
Meanwhile international scouts from Italy where on ground to scout outstanding players for export purposes.
The donor of the tournament who also doubles as the CEO of Ikukuoma Sports Development Foundation, High Chief Summers Nwokie (Ikukuoma Mbaise) expressed happiness at the smooth sailing of the tournament and he pledged that the competition would be better transformed in the next edition.
“It has been an amazing journey once again and I’m indeed happy we have achieved this successful tournament,” High Chief Summers Nwokie stated.
“Definitely when there is life, there is Hope and when there is hope, definitely we will have a repetition of this tournament come next year. The intention is to continue to give back to the society by supporting the youths so these talents will not just die.
“It’s not been easy so far, considering the efforts the staff have been putting up so far but for the love of the game, we keep going.
“There are some teams that started well but surprisingly, I didn’t see them at the final stage that is the high point for me.
“We have started this race and we will be here in the long run.” Nwokie concluded.