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The Unity Cup tournament, organised by the Kingsley Obiukwu Foundation, came to an exciting conclusion with Ukpor town emerging as the 2024 champion.
The inaugural football tournament united the 10 communities of Nnewi South, Anambra State. The participating communities included Ukpor, Unubi, Ezinifite, Amichi, Osumenyi, Akwa-Ihedi, Ebenator, Utuh, Azigbo, and Ekwulumili. Ultimately, Ukpor emerged as the champions, eliciting jubilant celebrations from spectators.
The first prize of N700.000 was awarded to the winner, Ukpor Town. Unubi Town received N500,000 for finishing as runners-up, and Ezinifite Town received N300,000 for securing third place. The remaining seven towns each received N70,000 as a token of appreciation for their participation in the tournament.
Addressing the press at the event, the chief host, Kingsley Obiukwu commended the champions for their tenacity and their show of sportsmanship throughout the tourney.
He also emphasised that every participating community is victorious for maintaining camaraderie throughout the tournament.
Kingsley further noted that the tournament aims to create a platform to celebrate talent and build unity in the community.
He stated: “We celebrate our Champions Ukpor for their show of tenacity and sportsmanship. Everybody who was involved in this tournament is victorious, for maintaining the peace enjoyed throughout the tournament.
“The Kingsley Obiukwu Foundation Unity Cup 2024 was more than just a football tournament it was a powerful force for unity and collaboration in Nnewi South. Through football, the towns came together in a spirit of shared purpose, working together to create a vibrant and harmonious community atmosphere. The competition fostered friendships across town lines, strengthened bonds between youth leaders and sports directors, and encouraged a spirit of mutual respect and cooperation.”
The chairman of the Unity Cup Planning Committee, Mr Johnpaul Onyekineso described the event as monumental and instrumental to the unity of the people of Nnewi South. He reiterated the foundation’s commitment to fostering peace and uplifting its people.
In his words: “I am so excited at the conclusion of the event. It is a clear indication of the power of unity. Asides the tournament, the foundation distributed 5,000 bags of rice to residents of the 10 participating towns earlier in the year.
“This food support project, combined with the Unity Cup, underscores the Foundation’s commitment to uplifting the community.”
The youth leader of Ukpor, Christian Chidi Iheakwobi, also expressed his profound gratitude to the foundation.
“On behalf of our great team and my beautiful town Ukpor, we appreciate the Kingsley Obiukwu Foundation for this initiative. This tournament has brought us together, we’ve revamped the spirit of love and brotherhood in our communities,” he said.
Five venues in total were used for the tourney. The opening and final matches were played at St. Padua of Anthony Field, in Osumenyi Town, Nnewi South LGA. While the other matches were played at Ukpor, Utuh, Amichi & Unubi towns respectively.
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