Oroma Stars emerged champions of the 2022 EARI Tourney after a 3-2 win over Agbor-nta on Friday Afternoon. The match which was played in front of Mammoth crowd that literally shut down the Palm Oil Rich town of Ika South in Delta State attracted several dignitaries including the Ruler of the Town, the Uboh of Ekuku Agbor, Ezerionhanye Ezehamorsi Solomon Agu and other Chiefs of the Community.
The Tournament which has become part of the Ekuku Agbor Renaissance Initiative ( EARI), a non governmental organization of the sons and daughters of Ekuku Agbor living in Nigeria and diaspora has continued to grow from Strength to strength since it started in 2018.
The tournament started on 26h December at the Omie Primary school ground which has earn itself now the status of Ekuku Stadium. Six Quarters of the community took part and in the opening fixtures, Idumu Uzugbo/ Idumu Isiogi defeated Ogbe Agidi by 2-0. On 27th December, two matches were played with Oroma Stars Defeating Obioma by 2-0 .
In the Second Round, Ogbe Egbudu/Ogbe Isiogbas Played out 0-0 against Idumu ishugbo./ idumu Isiogi in regulations time before Ogbe-Egbudu. Isiogba Prevailed 5-4 on Penalties.
In the Other Semi finals, Ogbe Egbudu defeated Agbornta 5-3 on Penalties after full time ended 1-1 however with the Rules allowing the best losers to progress to the Semi finals to join Oroma Stars, Idumu Uzugbo/ Idunmu Isiogi and Ogbe Egbudu, Agbor-nta progressed to and were drawn again against Ogbe-Egbudu for the second time.
The first Semi Finals between Oroma Stars and Idumu Uzugbo/ Idunmu Isiogi ended 2-0 in favour of Oroma Stars while Argbonta Progressed to the finals after winning 4-2 on penalties. It ended 1-1 in Regulation time.
The Tournament attracted all and sundry in the community as it helps to promote Unity and tranquility in a community that most indigenes feel neglected for long. Ekuku Agbor Renaissance Initiative thus use the tournament also to climax a grand Reunion as many sons and daughters from Diaspora arrived for the finals and the Grand Reunion.
Oroma took the lead in the Finals early in the first half and went on to the break with their noses in front. The doubled the lead in the second half before Agbor Nta pulled one back. Undaunted, Oroma Stars pushed forward and made it 3-1 with 10 minutes to go but Agbornta will not go down without a fight as they made it 3-2 with 6 minutes left to set up a nervy last minute pushing for the equalizer.
The Omie Primary School ground went agog as fans of both sides continue to urge their teams on but Oroma Stars held on to win the match 3-2.
The trophy Presentation was don by the Uboh of Ekuku Agbor Ezerionhanye Ezehamorsi Solomon Agu with a cash prize of #70,000 to the Winners, #50,000 to the Runners up and #30,000 to the third place Finisher.
“We hope to make it better next year, this tournament will be bigger and more glamorous in the future as we can see great talents abound here:” Hon Ifeoma Agbomah, the Coordinator of the EARI stated in her closing remarks while addressing the players.
Chairman of the Sports Committee, Dr Azu Benedict noted that the best players from the tournament are being scouted to be drafted into the Ekuku Agbor United FC. ” We are looking at ways to Sustain this tournament and use it for scouting of great talents, We have seen that many of the ekuku Agbor Youths are talented and this will help to nurture them to stardome” the University of Delta Agbor Don said.
Meanwhile, Director of KG Sports Academy Dr. Ken Gadaffi from his base in Cambodia confirmed that about 18 players were discovered from the Tournament who will be invited to the Ekuku Agbor United FC for future Tournaments.
“KG sports Academy Coach Adeyinka Ogundeji was on ground throughout the tournament and has identified about 18 players aged 15-18 that will be invited to camp in preparation for tournaments in 2023” he said
“We will be taking part as Ekuku Agbor United to in regional and national tournament, this will not only expose the players but also help to bring more attention to Ekuku Agbor as the town seems to have been long forgotten despite its huge natural resources and economic potentials” Dr Gadaffi Stated.
