By Ikenna Nwokedi, PhD
Nimo Town on Sunday defeated Abagana Town to emerge as the Champions of the maiden edition of the 2021 ONWATIFOLUCHI NJIKOKA UNITY CUP. The competition is being organized by the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Njikoka Chapter and sponsored by Chief Austin Oguejiofor (Onwa Enugwu-Ukwu na Umunri) Chairman/CEO First Rotech Group.
Victor Onyeka Chidume’s belter in the 73rd minute ensured that Nimo Town finished with a 100 per cent record as they won all their matches from the group stages on their way to the Grand Finale. The win ensured that Nimo smiled home with the sum of N500,000 while Abagana and Nawfia each got N300,000 and N200,000 respectively for their exploits with Enugwu-Agidi, Abba and Enugwu-Ukwu also participating in the keenly contested championship.
In his address, the Benefactor, Chief Austin Oguejiofor ably represented by his Legal Adviser, Barrister Chijioke Nwako stated that the essence of the competition is to key into the vision of the NYCN, Njikoka Chapter by uniting the youths of the six communities, creating a platform for them to showcase their God’s given talent and showcasing the players to the state and beyond where they can be seen by football scouts, professional football clubs in the state and the nation as well as top football administrators in the land.
Also speaking, the Chairman, Anambra State Sports Development Commission (ASSDC), Chief Tony Oli commended the sponsor and NYCN for conceiving such a noble idea and executing it, Hon. Oli stated that the competition is in tandem with some of the football programmes of the commission in ensuring that football and sports in the state is uplifted and the youth meaningfully engaged at all times.
In his reaction, the Honourable member representing Anambra East and West Constituency at the Federal House of Representatives, Chief Hon. Chinedu Obidigwe said that the idea is inspiring and creative which will ensure that there is conviviality amongst the communities domiciled in the Njikoka LGA via sports. Hon. Obidigwe posited that the State Government has done well in sports as seen with the construction of the Awka Township Stadium which is nearing completion, while praying for the sponsor of the tournament, Chief Oguejiofor for his philanthropic gesture, the lawmaker supported the idea by doling out the sum of N300,000 for the three top teams in the competition.
Highlights of the Grand Finale is the ceremonial kickoff performed by the ASSDC Chairman, Chief Tony Oli, decoration of the top three teams with medals and cash prizes, music, comedy and gift items to the supporters. Also present at the occasion were the Traditional Ruler of Enugwu-Ukwu, HRM Sir Ralph Obumnaemeh Ekpeh, Eze Enugwu-Ukwu na Igwe Umunri; President General, Enugwu-Ukwu Community Development Union (ECDU), Ozo Bonny Nkwuaku; Majority Leader of the Anambra State House of Assembly (ANSHA), Hon. Dr. Nnamdi G. Okafor; Member representing Njikoka one constituency at the ANSHA, Hon. Dr. Timothy Ifedioramma; Honourable Commissioner for Youth Empowerment and Creative Economy, Hon. Prof. Nkechi Obiekezie; Managing Director/CEO of the digital Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), Chief Dr Uche Nworah, Coordinator NYCN, Njikoka Chapter, Comrade Godwin Ugochukwu Okoye, State Government Political Appointees, top dignitaries, Ndi Enugwu-Ukwu, the media and the general public.
COMPREHENSIVE RESULTS OF THE ONWATIFOLUCHI NJIKOKA UNITY CUP
First Round
Group A
Enugwu Agidi 0-0 Enugwu-Ukwu
Enugwu-Ukwu 0-0 Nawfia
Enugwu Agidi 1-2 Nawfia
Group B
Abagana 2-0 Abba
Nimo 3-0 Abba (W/O/
Abagana 0-1 Nimo
SEMIFINALS
Nimo 2-0 Enugwu-Ukwu
Abagana 1-0 Nawfia
THIRD/FOURTH PLACE PLAYOFFS
Nawfia 2-1 Enugu-Ukwu
GRAND FINALE
Nimo 1-0 Abagana
