The tensed scenario at Holy Ghost Academy Pitch, Amaokpala in Orumba North Local Government Area could be likened to that of the 2022 World Cup finals between Argentina and France as Umudike Football Club battled it out before defeating Ajango FC at the finals to win the 2022/2023 Amaokpala Community Football tournament.
Umudike FC clad in yellow and blue jersey broke the jinx after over ten years without winning the community football tournament.
Ajango FC took the lead during the first and second halves with 2-0 before Umudike FC equalized the two goals few minutes to end the second half with hard work and team work, leading to penalty kicks.
Umudike FC ended the tournament with 5-4 to win.
They went home with five hundred thousand naira, a trophy and medals, while Ajango FC which came second went away with two hundred thousand naira and Obinikpa FC the second runner up, received one hundred thousand naira.
The tournament was sponsored by Amaokpala Development Union, Diaspora Branch.
In his speech, the Chairman, Amaokpala in Diaspora, Dr. Chukwudi Okeke represented by members of the diaspora branch, Prince Chidiebele Ikwueto and Mr. Izuchukwu Onuorah, said the tournament was aimed at putting smiles on faces of community members and further unite them.
Dr. Okeke, added that the tournament was also targeted to identify talents in the community and to ensure that they are greatly empowered to always represent Amaokpala in Nigeria and beyond.
Commenting, the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Amaokpala Development Union, Mr Jude Ezeudegbe assured that the 2022/2023 standard of the community football greatly improved and congratulated Umudike FC for the record-breaking event.
He urged the footballers to keep improving their talents, disclosing that plans are on to project the football stars beyond the community.
The Coach of Umudike FC, Mr. Onyekachukwu Okonkwo said it was a great surprise to them winning the tournament after they had lost hope,noting that it was through determination and hard work that they won, while captain of the winning team, Mr. Chibuike Okoli, said expressed joy at the victory .
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