By; PAMELA EBOH, Awka
Maureen Mmadu Kiddies team at the weekend, emerged champions of the NEROS Pharmaceuticals/Anambra FA cup final, (female category), held at NEROS Stadium, Nanka, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The queens of the round leather game scored the scintillating winning goal at about 38mins into the first half of play by smallish midfield player, Chigozie Idika.
Though their opponents, Awka Angels pressed hard in the 90 mins game with four minutes added time, their shots at goal failed to yield results.
The MMKFC which won with 1-0 against their opponents went home with s prize money of N250,000, giant trophy and medals, while the runners-up, Awka Angels, took home N150, 000.
The men’s category saw Nnewi Utd, a second tier domestic league side, overcome all the odds from an amateur side, Peace FC, to win 1-0.
This marks Fancy Ewulu side’s first win of the title having previously eclipsed by (now defunct) FC Ifeanyi Ubah.
The Anaedo Lions won the tournament’s star prize of N2m, leaving Peace FC with N1m runners-up prize.
The two finalists will represent Anambra State in the NFF/Aiteo competition for men while Maureen Mmadu Kiddies Camp, MMKC, will hoist the state’s flag in the women edition of the NFF/Aiteo Cup.
Speaking with journalists after the game, Mmadu, a former Falcons star expressed delight that her girls lifted the trophy, saying that it is an evidence of hard work paying off.
She said that although the road has been rough and tough, that the winning prize will serve as a motivation to the girls.
“With this win, I’m encouraged to continue working hard and pushing. It has not been an easy road getting to this point, but I thank God for this victory today. It shows the girls are picking whatever they are being taught. I am proud of them.
“Our opponents put up a good fight. For any team to get to the final of any competition, shows that they are a good breed. However I am satisfied with the way my girls played. I’m encouraged and I will continue to motivate them,” Mmadu stated.
