The Chief Executive of officer of Tropical Gate Foundation, Apostle Mbaigbo has taken a bold step to sponsor community based grassroot football in Aguata, Anambra State, Orient Sports reports.
About twelve towns were involved in the competition which took place at the Central school field Amesi.
Speaking to Orient Sports at the grand finale, Apostle Mbaigbo, explained that the competition was organised to keep the youths off the street as well as engage them positively, especially during this period of insecurity in Anambra state.
“The foundation has deemed it necessary to meaningfully engage our youths, curb crime reduce unemployment and help them discover their talent. We are equally aware of the United nations sustainable goals in eradicating poverty at all cost.
Meanwhile, in the final match of the Tournament, Isuofia defeated Igboukwu by 2goals to one and emerged the winner of 2021 Aguata community shield. In the third position, Umuchu won Ezinifite (4-2), on penalty.
Responding after the game, Local Organizing Committee Chairman, Dr. Whyte Nwankwo lauded all the communities that participated in the tournament.
“I am very happy and satisfied with the maximum cooperation by all the teams, it is indeed a good way to motivate the sponsor. This competition is expected to promote the unity, peace and bring mutual love among communities in Aguata.
“We are encouraging all the communities to accept the outcome with the spirit of sportsmanship and prepare better in the next edition of the competition,” Nwankwo said.
Orient Sports confirms that Ikenga community won the fair play team, best player award went to Ewezuga Ilomba from Isuofia community, Ezeokoye Onyeka emerged the highest goal scorer (Ekwulobia), Emeka Okonkwo received the Best goal keeper award (Isuofia) while the Best Coach was given to Chekwube Okonkwo (Isuofia).
The second edition of the Aguata Community Shield football competition will begin on Thursday being 24th February. The first game is expected to kick off at the Amesi Secondary school, in Aguata local government area of Anambra state.
Fourteen registered communities in Aguata are expected to compete in the tournament while the overall winner goes home with the grand prize. The competition will showcase all manner of entertaining football skills and techniques to the admiration of the spectators.
The competition is being sponsored by the Founder and CEO,Tropical Gate Foundation for Sustainable Development, Apostle Nnamdi Mbaigbo, as part of the organisation’s mission in harnessing potentials through sports and skills trainings and development.
The tournament which is slated to take place at the Central School, Amesi will begin by 1pm daily with communities like, Isuofia, Amesi, Umuona, Ezinifite, Umuchu, Ekwulobia, Achina, Akpo, Nkpologwu, Igbo-ukwu, Uga, Aguluezechukwu, Oraeri and Ikenga in participation.
Chairman of the Local Organising Committe(LoC) , Dr Whyte Nwankwo said this year’s second edition of the tournament is expected to promote deeper cordial relationship and strengthen communities ties in spirit of sportsmanship and oneness.
Accordimg to him, “The competition is among all the fourteen communities in Aguata LGA. The LOC has put up all the necessary logistics for a smooth kick off for tomorrow, Thursday February 24th 2022 at Central School Amesi.
‘The defending Champion, Isuofia will be playing the first match at 1pm tomorrow. The general public, football scouts and other football enthusiasts are invited to come and witness football at its best in Aguata, ” he stated.
Meanwhile, grand prize for the first prize is #500,000 while the second prize goes home with #300,000 and the third #200,000 with individual prizes for the Most Valuable Player of the tournament, Best Goalkeeper, Highest goal scorer and the Best Coach of the tournament.
