The Anioma Unity Football Tournament continued its exciting run today with two thrilling matches played at the Austine J.J. Okocha International Stadium. Both encounters delivered intense drama, resulting in nail-biting finishes and penalties.
Speaking with the tournament facilitator, Mr. Collins Okonkwo, the SSA to Senator Ned Nwoko on Youth Matters, described the encounter as “thrilling and enthralling,” adding that the performance highlighted the abundant football talent within the Anioma region.
He emphasized that the Anioma Unity Football Tournament aims to discover and nurture this talent, providing a platform for local players to gain national and international exposure.
He said, the tournament is more than just a competition, it is a platform designed to harness the potentials of youths of Anioma Nation and instill in them the values, skills and leadership qualities necessary to thrive.
Mr. Okonkwo commended all participating teams for their competitive spirit and expressed optimism about the tournament’s growth. He also lauded the immense support from Distinguished Senator Prince Ned Nwoko, whose contributions have been instrumental in the competition’s success.
Assuring fans of more exciting fixtures, Mr. Okonkwo noted that a team of seasoned scouts and panelists would identify standout players throughout the tournament. These selected talents, he said, could potentially follow in the footsteps of Nigerian football greats like the late Stephen Keshi, Sunday Oliseh, and Austin “JJ” Okocha.
The Football Tournament features teams from all nine Local Government Areas in Delta North. The competition will culminate with a grand finale at the iconic Stephen Keshi International Stadium in Asaba on December 29, where prominent sons and daughters of the Anioma nation are expected to grace the occasion.
Ika South’s victory means they are now set to face Ukwani in the final at the Stephen Keshi International Stadium on December 29, 2024.
The first match of the day between Ika South and Aniocha South ended in a goalless draw after 90 minutes of fierce competition. The match was a display of solid defending and goalkeeping, but neither team could find the back of the net during regulation time. Match 2: Ukwani vs. Oshimili South.
Result: 0-0 (Ukwani won 9-8 on penalties)
The Tournament kicked off with the first players from Ika South vs Oshimili North. Two goals from substitute Destiny Isioma secured a resounding victory for the Ika South Football Team as they began their campaign for the top prize in the maiden edition of the Anioma Unity Football Tournament hosted by the Distinguish Senator Ned Munir Nwoko, Senator representing the good people of Delta North Senator District.
The opening match, held at the Austin JJ Okocha Stadium in Ogwashi-Uku, Aniocha South, showcased an exciting clash of talent. Both sides spent the first half sizing each other up. The closely contested half ended in a goalless draw, with neither team able to break the deadlock.
The game moved to a penalty shootout to determine the winner, where Ika South emerged victorious, winning 2-1 on penalties. Notable performances during the penalty shootout included Mr. Ahionu Kingsley (Aniocha South) scoring the only goal for his team, while Mr. Akpogbidi James and Daniel Ugboh successfully converted for Ika South.
Man of the Match: Mr. Ayodele Oluwasegun (Goalkeeper, Ika South) Oluwasegun was instrumental throughout the match, producing several key saves, including in the penalty shootout, helping his team secure the win.
Ika South’s victory means they are now set to face Ukwani in the final at the Stephen Keshi International Stadium on December 29, 2024.
The second match of the day was another tightly contested affair, as Ukwani and Oshimili South drew 0-0 after regular time. The match was characterized by resilient defenses from both teams, but neither could break the deadlock.
Just like the previous match, the game proceeded to penalties, where Ukwani triumphed with a 9-8 victory. Both teams took 8 penalties each, with Oshimili South falling just short in the end. Ukwani’s perseverance in the shootout earned them a spot in the final alongside Ika South.
Man of the Match: Ukwani’s goalkeeper, who made several crucial saves during the shootout, was key to their win.
