Aboh Mbaise wins 2024 Pan-Nigerian Youth Governor’s Cup in Imo
By Athan Agbakwuru, Owerri
Aboh Mbaise LGA football team have won the maiden Pan-Nigerian Youth Governors Cup championship after beating their rivals Oru East LGA 4-2 by penalties during the final match played at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri on Thursday.
The game ended in a 1-1 draw at the end of regulation time before Aboh Mbaise triumphed in the shootout to win the hotly contested competition.
Obi Mikel scored for Oru East LGA to shoot them ahead in the 58th minute but Aboh Mbaise LGA equalized almost immediately through Emmanuel Uwasomba, a minute later.
There were no further goals in the game as the match had to rely on penalty shootouts. Chisom Nkwocha, Martins Jesse, Onyero John and Ikechi Nkemjika all converted their spot kicks for Aboh Mbaise LGA but Obi Chikezie and Anthony Nnadozie missed theirs for Oru East LGA. Kingsley Maduike and Chukwuma Orji both scored theirs for Oru East LGA.
Aboh Mbaise won the first prize of N5million in the youth category, Oru East that came second, got N3million while Ikeduru LGA that got the third place received N2million.
In the tertiary institution’s category, Imo State University, IMSU, Owerri edged out Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri 4-3 via penalty shootout after a goaless full time encounter.
The two matches played at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri attracted dignitaries from across the state
notable among whom were; the Imo State Commissioner for Youth Development and Talent Hunt, Honourable Emeka Mandela Ukaegbu; Imo State Commissioner For Sports, Honourable Obinna Onyeocha, Commissioner for Education (Primary), Prof. Johncliff Chike Nwadike, Commissioner for Education (Tertiary), Prof. Nwachukwu amongst others.
