Oba Football Cup: Senior All Stars FC emerge champions
By Uzo Ugwunze
Senior All Stars Football Club, Oba has emerged winners of the Oba Football 2021/2022 Competition sponsored by Nze Ifeanyichukwu Onwupenata (Ogbataonua Oba) in memory of his late parents.
The pulsating finals saw Senior All Stars FC, Oba defeat debutants Ugogbuzue FC, Oba 8 -7 after a long penalty shootout to lift their first ever Oba Football Competition trophy.
The football competition which attracted a mammoth crowd from Oba in Idemili South, Anambra State and neighboring Communities was played at Merchants of Light School,Oba Football pitch.
The match ended at 1-1 draw after 90 minutes of play. Both the coaches and Captains of both teams decided to proceed straight to penalty shootout.
Nze Ifeanyichukwu Onwupenata(Ogbataonua Oba) with the captain of Senior All Stars FC,Oba, Chukwuka Ezeh
The Senior All Stars FC were first to miss during the penalty shootout but luck ran out of Ugogbuzue FC Oba when their last player’s kick was stopped by the champions goal keeper bringing scoresheet to 4-4.
The rest was history as Senior All Stars FC who had been regular in the competition eventually won the trophy with 500,000 naira cash prize while runners up and third placed team got 300,000naira and 200,000 naira respectively.
According to Nze Onwupenata, football unites people all over the world irrespective of their differences. I sponsored the competition to Foster more love,unity and happiness in Oba Community.
“This year’s competitions was done in remberance of my late parents Mr. Nwafor Bolingo and Mrs. Edith Nshanshamili Onwupenata who died in 1998 and 1993 respectively when I was much younger.
“I had sponsored this tournament about three times several years ago before Chief Darlington Agha took up the sponsorship but for some years now the competition have stopped but I have decided to start all over again.
“I love the game of football, I also played mass return football and used to have a football club Obiaomee FC which used to win the competition anytime I sponsored it but this year I decided they will not participate.
“Although I sponsored the competition with about 2.5 million naira which include prize money, refree payment, best player, coach, best behaved team, goal keeper(GK), highest goal scorers(HGS) and entertainments.
“One fascinating thing about winning the trophy is that the team can visit any organization or wealthy person who can launch the cup for them.They can even realize up to 5 million from well-wishers,”said Onwupenata.
In his remarks, President General of Oba, Rev Chris Emelie thanked God for peace,unity and development experienced in Oba commending the sponsor for putting smiles in the face of the people.
Chief Akonam Emekaekwuo(Akuatuegwu) commended Mr. Onwupenata for sponsoring the football competition saying that it will keep the youths busy and keep them away from crime and drugs.
“This year’s competition is unique because the prize money were disbursed immediately for the receipients to enjoy. We have Maradonas here and I promise to send abroad any outstanding player who proves his mettle,”said Emekaekwuo.
Chief Obi Ufondu(Ochiaga Idemili) as one of the special guests after compensating the runners up with some cash donation encouraged them to prepare harder to lift the trophy subsequently. He later presented medals and the trophy to the winners.
The Best Coach, Tochukwu Ochokwu, Skipper, Chukwuka Ezeh, Best GK,Chidiebere Iruka, HGS, Uche Onugha, Provost,Basil Igwilo all members of Senior All Star FC, in their separate speeches eulogized the sponsor giving glory to God for their victory.
