Mbakaange Ward FC yesterday (7th August) at the Vandeikya Township Stadium became the Winners of the maiden edition of the Ter Kunav Cup (Royal Rumble), when they defeated Mbagbera Ward FC 4 – 2 on penalties after a stalemate in regulation time.
The Final Match between the two power houses of the Ter Kunav Cup provided great excitement as fans trooped in large numbers into the Vandeikya Township Stadium not only to watch the two teams play, but also to catch a glimpse of the legendary Nwankwo Kanu (MON) who was in town to witness the grand finale/ closing ceremonies of the prestigious Ter Kunav Cup 2021.
The match which was delayed a bit due to formalities occasioned by the arrival of Kanu and other prominent personalities finally kicked off at 4:56pm as the two teams started the game on a rather cautious note weighing their options in the opening exchanges.
But it was Mbagbera Ward FC who will threaten first as a goal mouth melee in Mbakaange’s vital area almost resulted in a goal, but that final touch by aMbagbera’s striker was not enough as the ball was eventually gathered by the goalkeeper.
As the first half wore on, it was obvious the two teams lacked that cutting edge in the final third to get the ball in the back of the net on either side. Yet it was so exciting watching the players as they tried their best to create the chances that never materialised into a goal. The referee called time as the first half ended goalless.
Just before resumption for the second half, Nwankwo Kanu (MON) called one player each from both teams and separately dished out some professional instructions to them, apparently to see them make a difference and get that desired goal.
The second half got underway as Kanu and the other dignitaries as well as the mammoth crowd watched to see who will get that long awaited first goal of the Finals. Tried as they could, the second half was characterized by near misses especially by Mbagbera Ward FC players who fluffed no less than three chances with a gaping goal at their mercy.
Mbakaange Ward FC continued to show flashes of an intent to punish their opponents on counter attacks as one of their star players always got the better of Mbagbera’s defence line, but wastefulness in front of goal was their bane.
Wastefulness and a catalogue of near misses either side continued until the referee blew the final whistle, taking the match straight to penalties to determine the winner.
Mbagbera Ward FC will rue the missed chances that would’ve put them in the driving seat in regulation time as they were eventually beaten 4 – 2 on penalties by a much younger Mbakaange Ward FC side who came desirous of a win against their more experienced opponents. They got it through penalties as their fans thronged into the pitch in their numbers to celebrate their heroic players.
The Ter Kunav Cup final was witnessed by the legendary Nwankwo Kanu(MON), who came in from Lagos to be a part of the final ceremony. Other prominent personalities who joined Kanu were, the Chief Justice of the Federal High Court, Abuja, Justice John, Terhemba Tsoho & his wife, Former Attorney General & Minister of Justice, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa (SAN), Tor Jechira, Chief C. K Uganden, Ter Kunav, Chief Josephus Nyiyongu Achiaku, who was accompanied by his wife, Nguveren, Commissioner for Youth & Sports, Benue State, Permanent Secretary, Benue State Ministry of Youth and Sports, Chairman, Benue State Football Association, Rt.Hon.Chief Mrs. Margaret Icheen who was represented by Barr.Lubem Ukpo, Executive Chairman, Vandeikya Local Government Council, Chief Mrs. Kukase Tyoer Garba and her deputy, Barr. Alex Ter Tyonongo, Very Rev. Fr. Linus Huabo, Episcopar Vicar/Dean of Vandeikya Deanery & Principal, SPSS, Vandeikya, amongst many other special guests.
Nwankwo Kanu (MON), assisted by the Chairman, Vandeikya Local Government Football Council, Mr. Robert Terlumun Akpenpuun handed over the beautiful gold trophy to the Captain of Mbakaange Ward FC. A cash prize of N250,000 was also awarded to the winners, plus gold medals, while the second placed team went home with a cash prize of N150,000 plus silver medals even as the third and fourth placed teams smiled home with N100,000 and N50,000 respectively. All these prizes are courtesy of Hon Justice & Mrs. John Tsoho who are the sole sponsors of Ter Kunav Cup, 2021.
