By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON, Kaduna.
Hard fighting Enugu State have emerged champions of the maiden edition of the Igbo Community Welfare Association (ICWA) Kaduna State Unity Cup Football Competition, which ended on Sunday night at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna.
They claimed the trophy after surviving a scare from ZDM team when regulation time and added time ended 2-2.
The resultant spot kicks saw them edge their opponents 5-4.
In the third placed match, their neighbours, Anambra subdued Joint Traders 4-3 to claim the third position that saw them receive a cash prize of N50,000.
Enugu went away with a cash prize of N100,000, while the first runners-up ZDM received N75,000.
Enugu booked a spot for the final after thrashing Joint Traders 4-1, while ZDM edged Anambra 4-3.
Also at the presentation ceremony, Samuel Anakwe from Enugu State emerged the Most Valuable Player, after inspiring his team to lift the trophy.
The Best Behaved Team honours went to Ebonyi State, Safe Hands Award went to Uche Ngwu from Enugu State and the highest Goal Scorer went to Amara from Anambra State.
Twenty four teams drawn into two groups in the preliminary stages, participated in the competition which kicked off in August.
Chairman of the ICWA Sports Committee, Chief Dominic Eze Uzu in his comments on the success of the competition, said that its aim of unity has been achieved.
“It is quite gratifying that what started like a fairy tale, precisely on August 28, 2016 has eventually ended in a grand style, uniting every important and true Igbo man in Kaduna State. This is because the organising committee adopted FIFA standard rules and regulations and also employed the services of Grade A referees throughout the competition,” he added.
Chief Uzu suggested that in view of the successes recorded and the potentials of discovering world-class talents, the competition should be held annually.
“I would like to let you know that several football scouts watched the games and have made contact with several talented players,” he added.
He commended the ICWA Executives, led by Chief Chris Nnoli for conceiving the idea, while pouring encomium on the teams from Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo States, as well as other amalgamated teams for participating.
