The finals of the H.H. Unity Cup football tournament among the eight families of Idu-Ogba Community in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area was decided on Sunday with Ediehiru Family emerging champions.
In a showdown brimming with intensity, Ediehiru Family secured a resounding 2-0 victory over their opponents, clinching not only the coveted trophy but also medals and cash rewards courtesy of the tournament sponsor and esteemed members of Idu-Ogba Community.
Despite being regarded as underdogs after a previous defeat in the group stage, Ediehiru Family showcased exceptional skill and determination, outmaneuvering Igrede Family with a goal in each half and ultimately sealing their triumph.
Speaking after the fiercely contested match, sponsor of the tournament, Mr. Chimuenya Henry Umejuru, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, citing the tournament’s success in fostering a renewed sense of unity among the Idu-Ogba community members.
“Above all, I give it to the Almighty God who made the success a huge success. There was wasn’t a single incident of injury, no disruptions, no quarrels, no rains. It’s very clear that the hand of God was on the competition. I am also satisfied with the standard of play, especially in this finals. Officiating was excellent and the aim of organizing this competition was achieved which is, to foster peace between the participating families, especially the two communities of Obosiukwu and Osobile”, said Umejuru who is the CEO of HH Luxury Hotels and Apartments, Omoku.
Promising that the next edition would see more improvements, he called for collaborations from well-to-do members of the community as well as the multinational oil and gas companies.
In his post match comments, coach of the victorious Edieihuru Family FC, Bright Orukwowu said his tactical approach paid off because his boys played to instruction.
“I told my boys not to repeat the mistakes they made in that match. I told them not to let them play their patter but to attack ceaselessly. They should not forget to return home when on defense”, he said, and praised the sponsor for his brilliant initiative.
Coach of Igrede Family, Noble Nwokidu blamed their loss to his boys who became tensed up in the match.
“There was a lot of pressure on them. It’s very unfortunate the final match made them nervous. Yes, to some extent, they played to my instructions but they didn’t do enough to clinch victory.
The midfield was porous and the defensive left was overlapping to outside left, thereby leaving his position porous. That’s football for you, you win sometime, you lose sometime”, Nwokidu said.
