Weeks of thrilling football matches in the Oke Umurhohwo Football Cup came to an end on Sunday, producing Ughelli All Stars FC as the winner of the maiden tournament.
Ughelli Township Stadium played host to the final with spectators in attendance all complying with Covid-19 protocols as Ughelli All Stars beat Sheraton FC 3-1 to lift the trophy for N120,000 in prize money and a set of jerseys.
Sheraton FC was rewarded with N60,000 cash and a set of jerseys as runners-up and N30,000 cash went to Ughelli United that came third in the tournament.
The award for the best player of the tournament went to Efe of Ughelli United while Mr. and Mrs. Izu Harrison went home with the best fans of the tournament award.
Oke Umurhohwo Football Cup drew 16 teams in a fierce contest purposed to identify talents in Ughelli, Delta state, and was sponsored by Mr Oke Umurhohwo, a marketing and communications professional.
Speaking after the tournament, Mr. Umurhohwo said the event has not only shown that talent abound in the grassroots but has also strengthened his resolve to see budding footballers realise their full potentials.
“This football competition has shown the enormous talents possessed by young people at the grassroots and I’m impressed by what I have seen so far,” he said.
“It is good to see the promise that the nearly 200 footballers who featured in the competition exhibited and that has emboldened my resolve to provide every necessary support for them to fulfill their respective dreams.”
He acknowledged the efforts of the local organising committee towards the success of the inaugural Oke Umurhohwo Football Cup, was particularly grateful for the support from traditional, political, and community leaders.
Signalling that the competition will be a yearly event, Mr. Umurhohwo added “we look forward to working with you for a bigger and better second edition.”
The Ovie of Ughelli, His Royal Majesty, Wilson Ojakovo JP, Oharisi III, represented by Chief Edevwie, was in attendance at the finale of Oke Umurhohwo Football Cup alongside the President-General of Ughelli Descendant Union, Olorogun P. Omobaye, and his Vice, Comrade Superior Umurhohwo.
Other dignitaries included Hon Oghenenovo O.S, the Organising Secretary of Ughelli Descendant Union, Comr. Christ Ekete, HOD, School of Health, Ufuoma, Comr. Akpojiyonwi, the President of Ighwre-Ovie Community, Bro Henry, representative of Bishop Kingsley Enakirerhi of Heroes of Faith Ministry.
Also in attendance were Prince Kohwo, President of Ujode Community, Members of the Delta State Sports Commission and Organising Secretary, Mr. Robor, Wrestling trainer, Omonigho Johnson, Boxing coach, Mark Odede, Handball coach, Okotie and a host of others.
Fans and guests were treated to gifts and freebies and were entertained with the spectacular Madam Ocean and Madam FC Izam dancing routines.
