Úpātá Unity Cup: Winners Emerge At Finals
The Úpātá Unity Football Cup Finals was held at the U.P.E Model Primary School, Edeoha to complete weeks of intense competition among teams in Úpātá Kingdom. The Ny’údū Úpātá III of Úpātá Kingdom, HRM Ny’údū Felix Enene Otuwarikpo, Fnipr seized the opportunity to appreciate the organizers especially the sponsor, Eur. Ing. Dr. Chinedu Ogwus for the success of the competition.
Promoting Infrastructure and Peace
He asked the government to invest in infrastructure such as football fields and develop regulations to attract private sector involvement, ultimately promoting football as a profitable enterprise. While he laid emphasis on peace as the very means to grow a society, the Monarch said football has “evolved into a global business and stressed the importance of encouraging and promoting youth participation in the sport.”
Recognizing Excellence and Achievements
Speaking also, Ogwus revealed that the competition has been transformative on participating clubs, as some players had successfully been scouted. He appreciated the participating teams for trusting the Úpātá Unity Cup brand with their football development, underlining the positive trajectory it provides for young talents in the world of football. Buffalo FC of Ulá Úpātá lost to Umanunuye FC of Ihuowo on penalties to emerge this year’s champion, while Edeoha United came third, winning also on penalties. Anthony Michael of Umanunuye FC was named the Most Valuable Player; the Highest Goal Scorer award went to Izuma Moses of Edeoha United FC; Salvation Echikpu won the Best Goalkeeper award and, the Best Coach award went to Bethlehem Asinobi of Edeoha United FC.
Awards and Honours
Other personalities honoured include Sir Siminalayi Joseph Fubara, Executive Governor of Rivers State; Lt. Col. D.D. Omale, FOB Commander; Engr. Abdul Ola Agberemi, CEO Quartro Spartakus Sports Limited; Engr. Chibunna Obiri and, Coach Finidi George, former Super Eagles. The royal father of the event, His Eminence, Barr. Dr. Nwachukwu Chukwuemela Nnam Obi III, Oba of Ogbaland, was also given an award. Ny’údū Otuwarikpo was conferred with an award of excellence by the Boys Brigade. Engr. Pedro Egbe and Eur. Ing. Ogwus were also given an award. Coach Finidi George performed the kickoff ceremony as Special Guest, while a special appearance match was by Falcons FC and Osklean FC, both of Port Harcourt. Beside medals and the trophy, souvenirs were handed out to participating teams and guests.
