Bishop Mike Okonkwo Football Championship Enters Round Of 16

The ongoing 21st edition of the annual Bishop Mike Okonkwo football tournament has entered the round of 16.

Teams that have qualified for the knockout stage of the championship currently going on at the Bridge Institute ( NITEL ) play ground Oshodi are; Agege Sports Academy, Giggson Fc, Samjason Fc, AP Warriors, Royal Pharaohs, Hot Eaglets, Dynamic Dreamers Fc and Jossam Sports Fc.

Others are; Greatness Fc, Trident Fc, Mega 22, Believers Fc, 12 Angels Fc, Abundant Life Fc, Future Stars 99 SA and the defending champions, Rehoboth Fc.

Speaking on what to expect at the round of 16, Chairman of the Main Organizing Committee of the championship, Deacon Malachy Ndubuzor, promised fans that they’ll be treated to the best football action which the tournament is noted for, just as he expressed happiness with the level of football artistry and discipline displayed by the teams during the preliminary stage.

” I’m really happy that as usual we had a successful preliminary matches where we saw some good football action and discipline by all the participating teams.

“As we go into the knockout stage, I want to assure fans that there will be no dull moment because all the teams will be aiming to progress to the quarter- final stage of the prestigious tournament.

” I also want to assure fans that we’re keeping with our tradition of not condoning any act of indiscipline or bending the rules for any team because we want to produce a worthy champion which everybody will be proud of”, he stressed

Ndubuzor also expressed gratitude to Bishop Mike Okonkwo, for his love for youth development and empowerment which led to his sponsorship of the tournament.

” I must commend Bishop Mike Okonkwo for his vision in initiating the championship which has produced many talented youths who ordinarily would not have had any platform to showcase their talent.

” We’re happy that the tournament since inception has not only become a household name in the country but has produced many talented youths who have gone ahead to play at the top level and we’ll continue to sustain the tempo of the championship.

Meanwhile, finalists have also emerged in the semi-finals of the female category which is being played simultaneously with the male tournament.

Teams that are through to the last four are: Wasbak, Unification Talent, Future Stars 99 and Jojo Queens.

A total of 32 male and 8 female teams registered for the tournament which was played on home and away basis before getting to the knockout stage.

The finals will be used to celebrate the birthday of Bishop Mike Okonkwo, the presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission.