Former chairman of Heartland Football Club, Hon. Chibuzor Etuemena has expressed his happiness over the success of the second edition of the Nze R.A Oformata Cup/Talent Hunt in Imo State which title the holders, Ogboko Community football team, successfully retained after a hard-fought 3-2 penalty shootout win against 2018 finalists, Ugbelle Community football team, Completesports.com reports.
Etuemena who is the sponsor of the tournament, was very pleased with the high standard of the competition, revealing that quite a number of players distinguished themselves and attracted the the interest of scouts that graced the final.
“I’m happy that a good number of young football talents have distinguished themselves during this year’s edition of the tournament,” Etuemena who is called ‘Bash’ said.
“And in keeping with my promise, I will do my best in assisting them to horn their football talents and make a good career through football.
“I must also commend all those who in one way or the other made this year’s tournament a success.
“In this regard, kudos must go to His Royal Highness, the Eshi of Umueshi in whose domain, the competition was staged.
“Others include Chief Collins Ijeoma from Nempi, Mgbidi in Oru West LGA who made a personal donation of N100, 000 to support the tournament, as well as Mr.Chinenye Uzo (Akidi) who pledged to buy a pair of playing boot for the Most Valuable Player of the tournament among others,” Etuemena added.
The thrilling final decided at Umueshi Secondary School field ended on a scoreless note, forcing the eventual winner to be decided through penalty kicks.
Football freaks in their hundreds, including the traditional ruler of Umueshi Autonomous Community, Eshi Chris E. Obi graced the final match.
Chinedu Ugokwe a midfielder from the winning Ogboko team was adjudged the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP).
Umueshi Community football team defeated Umumaisiaku Community Football Team 4-2 to emerge as the third best team of the tournament.
