By Okechukwu Onuegbu
Umudioka Football Club (FC), a soccer team of the eldest village in Awka, the Anambra State capital, Friday, sacked Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) FC with 5.1 goals at Ifeigbo football championship.
The tournament, which was floated by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, ACTDA, Hon. Osita Onuko, is solely sponsored by Jezco group of company and aimed at promoting peace, unity as well as preventing crimes and criminality within the capital city.
The kickoff ceremony held at Awka Township stadium was graced by the Chairman, Anambra State Sports Development Commission, Mr Patrick Estate Onyedum, including the Anambra State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, other lawmakers and top government functionaries.
Umudioka FC first goal was at 4.5pm and it was countered by ACTDA at 4.26pm, after which more goals came between 4.30, in first half and additional three during the second half.
Speaking at the end of the game, CEO ACTDA, Hon. Osita Onuko, described the match as topnotch, noting that Awka indigenes and residents had through it, displayed their unalloyed support to the State government, while promoting peace and showcasing skills and talents.
"We have shown the world that Awka is peaceful, united and secured. We are saying no to cultism, and other social vices impeding the development of the Capital city. This is part of governor Chukwuma Soludo's administration agenda to build a green smart city, prosperous and liveable Anambra," he added.
Also speaking, Mr Mike Ozoemene, the MD Anambra State Waste Management Authority, ASWAMA, praised Awka for taken up the tournament, noting that sports promotes unity, health and fitness.
Factcheckng.com reports that 22 teams from 22 villages in Awka and Awka residents (represented by ACTDA) were taken part in the maiden Ife Igbo peace football competition with N1 million mapped out for the winning team at the end, while the second and third prizes will go home with N500,000 and N300,000 respectively.
Other participating teams are Umueri, Umuanaga, Umuogwali, Umuenechi, Umuokpu, Umubelle, Nkwelle, Umuogbu, Umuayom, Umuogbunu, Umuzocha, Ifite-awka, Amachalla, Umuoramma, Umukwa, Amudo, Amikwo, Omuko, Umuike and Umunnamoke.
Group games will continue at Ayom na Okpala and All Saints Anglican Church football fields.