The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress APC in Ebonyi state, Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha has commended the state Governor, Chief Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru for his desire to engage the youths of the state in productive and profitable venture of football, stressing that the football competition has great impacts both on the lives of the youths and the State.
Emegha while speaking with journalists at the State township Stadium, Saturday, shortly after a group match between Edda and Ivo Local Government Areas, hinted that the sporting activities has gone far in creating avenue for career development. He emphasized that football among other sporting activities are serious source of money spinner that advanced countries are investing in heavily, and called on participating players to be committed and ensure they play according to the rules.
Chief Emegha said though, he is supporting all the teams, but expressed optimism that his local Government Area (Edda) being the defending champion will win the cup back to back.
He praised the enthusiasm and commitment displayed by the players. He commended the organizers and match officials for the professionalism they have displayed so far, calling for it to be sustained through the duration of the competition.
On his part, Edda Local Government Council chairman, Prince Chima Ekumankama commended his team for their wonderful outing, assuring that his team will coast home to Victory.
The group match was between Edda Local Government and Ivo Local Government which ended up in one goal each.
Earlier in the same day, Ikwo local Government played Ohaukwu local Government in their first group match which ended goalless.
Speaking with journalists after the match, Ikwo council chairman, Barr Sunday Nwankwo Commended his team for their wonderful performance and assured that the cup is going to Ikwo.
He said that his men did extremely well and has commended them.
"You should be congratulating me for their wonderful performance.
"They did extremely well. I have given them what I have and I have also told them that they fantastically well and I know, the cup is coming to Ikwo.
"In the next match, I expect nothing but victory and that is why I say, I am certain that the cup will go to Ikwo. The youths should embrace sports among other things. Take it or leave it, football is one global sports that unite. You can feel the heat in the stadium now, with this we are moving somewhere", Nwankwo concluded.
His Ohaukwu Council counterpart, Hon. Ikechukwu Odono, on his part, praised the fighting spirit of his men, stressing that they played better than their opponent, Ikwo. He commended the state Governor, Chief Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru for coming up with such competition, maintaining that such competition will help the state build it's own football team. He revealed that three of his been picked during the match.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Ivo Local Government Area, Hon. Emmanuel Ajah commended the State Governor, Chief Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru for reuniting the state through Sports and assured the State Commissioner for Youths Development and Sports of their sincere support. Ajah described the development as great factor of building greater future among the indigenous youths and pointed out that it's necessary that the state has both male and female football teams which according to him would be of advantage to the state with the Olympics stadium that's almost at completion.
Similarly, the Sunday saw Afikpo and Ebonyi Local Government Areas went home with one goal each in the first match of the day, while the second match saw Ohaozara trashing Ohaukwu 1-0 to clinch 3 points.
Speaking shortly after that matches, partially disrupted by the heavy downpour, Ebonyi Local Government Chairman, Barr Chinedu Uburu praised the zeal of his team, noting that the game of football is a win and loose game.
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