By Ikenna Nwokedi
Isuaniocha town defeated Amansea by 3 goals to nil in the opening match of the maiden edition of the Awka North and South Unity Cup Football Competition played on Saturday, 11th December 2021 at the Central School field of the Christ the King Parish Isuaniocha.
The competition is bankrolled by the member representing Awka North and South Constituency at the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Samuel Chinedu Onwuaso is aimed at promoting the game of football and showcasing the talents of teeming youths of the two local government areas.
19 communities of Isuaniocha, Amansea, Urum, Ebenebe, Mgbakwu, Ugbenu, Amawbia, Isiagu, Awka, Mbaukwu, Awba-Ofemmili, Amanuke, Ugbene, Achalla, Ezinato, Umuawulu, Nibo, Okpuno, and Nise will be jostling for the bite of the cherry of over a million naira and other individual awards in the competition expected to clock off on 9th January 2022.
Reacting during the opening match, the traditional ruler of Ebenebe, HRH Igwe Christopher Emeka Nnaegbuna, JP, commended the Benefactor for his magnanimity and interest in matters concerning the growth and development of the youths of his constituency, the custodian of culture stated that anyone who invests in the youth has invested in the future of a community and by extension the state. He also revealed that sports are a huge factor in breeding love and unity, he called on the youths as well as public-spirited individuals to emulate the very kind gesture exhibited by Hon. Onwuaso.
On his part, the Chairman, Local Organizing Committee (LOC), Nnamdi Raphael Aniagor, Esq, quoting the Latin Maxim ‘Res Ipso Lequito’ meaning that the fact speaks for itself. Aniagor posited that the objective of the competition is to foster unity amongst the two local governments which the financier represents and to hunt for talents for empowerment in order to curb restiveness and joblessness in the society. He also said that the LOC also empowered officials to spot out exceptional talents who will be catapulted to the next level towards achieving the target of football professionalism.
The high points of the occasion were the ceremonial kickoff by the sponsor, Hon. Samuel Onwuaso is ably represented by Barr. Nnamdi Aniagor. Present at the event was the Chairman, Awka North Local Football Council, Comrade Raphael Okafor, and sports aficionados across the two local government areas.
