St Theresa’s College Nsukka Crowned Enugu State Champions of FirstBank / Sam Okwaraji U-16 Tournament
St. Theresa’s College Nsukka, have emerged champions of the Enugu State qualifiers of the maiden FirstBank/Samuel Okwaraji Foundation U-16 National All Secondary Schools Football Championship.
STC secured the coveted title Saturday with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Day Secondary School, Enugu, in the final played after days of exciting football competition involving 12 secondary schools across the state.
Midfielder Agbo Festus scored the decisive goal moments before halftime, finishing off a brilliant cross from Ogbu Godswill to hand the Nsukka-based side a historic triumph.
The victory completed an impressive campaign for the school , who had earlier edged Embodied Love Secondary School 1-0 in the semi-finals, while Day Secondary School reached the final after defeating Uwani Secondary School 2-0.
By winning the state title, STC will now represent Enugu State at the South-East zonal elimination tournament scheduled for September, where they will battle champions from Anambra, Abia, Imo and Ebonyi states for a place in the national finals.
Speaking after the final, the Director of Sports, Post Primary Schools Management Board (PPSMB) and Coordinator of the Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF), Enugu State, Owo Francisca Ngozi, said outstanding players discovered during the championship would be drafted into the state team alongside the champions for the zonal qualifiers.
”This competition has brought school sports back to life in Enugu State. We have seen exceptional talents and some of these players will join the winning team for the zonal competition.
“I encourage them to remain focused, disciplined and continue training because greater opportunities lie ahead,” she said.
She also commended the organisers for providing a platform for young footballers to showcase their talents and revive grassroots sports development in schools across the state.
Representing the Enugu State Commissioner for Education, the Director of Sports in the Ministry of Education, Professor Ndubueze Mbah, Mrs. Helen Ozorani, urged coaches to pay greater attention to tactical development and player preparation.
”With proper planning, quality coaching and sustained support from government and stakeholders, Enugu State has what it takes to dominate the South-East and compete successfully at the national level,” she stated.
The Secretary of the Enugu State Football Association, Francis Ugwu, advised the students to remain committed to both their education and football careers.
”Talent alone is not enough. You must combine discipline, academic excellence and hard work. I also appeal to the government and the Ministry of Youth and Sports to keep this team together and allow them to train for at least one month before the zonal qualifiers,” he said.
Also speaking, the Director of Sports, Enugu State Ministry of Youth and Sports, Dennis Ani, reminded the players that education should remain a priority despite their football ambitions.
”Football can open doors for you, but education will sustain you. Continue to pursue excellence both in the classroom and on the field as you strive to become better athletes and responsible citizens,” Ani advised.
The inaugural FirstBank/Samuel Okwaraji Foundation U-16 National All Secondary Schools Football Championship lived up to expectations, producing exciting football, identifying promising young talents and reinforcing its mission of promoting grassroots football while preserving the legacy of late Nigerian football icon, Samuel Okwaraji.
