Umuohiagu Unity Cup winners salute sponsor, Olivia Eke

By George Aluo

Winners of the Umuohiagu Unity Cup (men and women), Ojigbo, have given a pat on the back to the sponsor of the grassroots tournament, Olivia Baby Eke.

Ojigbo village, it would be noted made history by lifting both the men and women trophies of the tournament which was contested for by the four villages that make up Umuohiagu autonomous community in Ngor Okpala local government area of Imo State that prides itself as Imo Airport Town.

Captain of the Ojigbo women’s team, Ulunna Opara while still basking in the euphoria of their victory said she is particularly happy that the USA based sponsor instantly redeemed her pledge of doling out the sum of N1m to the team.

The mercurial winger who is the captain of NWFL side Heartland Queens said getting women to play in the Christmas soccer tournament would lead to the discovery of hidden talents, even as she added that she decided to feature in the tournament as a way of lending her support to the growth of the game.

The captain of the all conquering Amauga Lions (a kindred from Ojigbo) in the boys category, Obinna Njoku was also full of praise for the sponsor. He noted that Olivia Eke’s decision to splash a whooping N2m on the winners of the boys category made the tournament more competitive and attractive.

He lauded the organisers for also ensuring that the tournament went without any breach as there was perfect security and good officiating from day one to the final.

The colourful final was watched by a mammoth crowd that included the Chairman of the Nigeria National League (NNL) George Aluo, the Honorable member representing Ngor Okpala in the state house of Assembly Dr Obinna Egu, Chairman of Imo Sports Commission Prince Ogbonna, former Super Eagles midfielder Ifeanyi Ekwueme and several top national coaches.

Former Flying Eagles goalkeeper, Fancy Ewulu after the final said Umuohiagu is blessed with avalanche of football talents declaring that he was impressed with what he saw.