Umungada village in Irete autonomous community, Owerri-West LGA has emerged both the male and female champions of the Just concluded Unity football tournament powered by Coca Cola in Irete.
The championship which kicked off on December 16 and came to its crescendo on Sunday January 13 when Umungada male team took on Umuagwu in the final game that ended 5-3 on penalties.
It was great fun in Bishop Lasbery Secondary School play ground as the Owerri Coca Cola plant manager, Mr Philip Eseyim led the Coca Cola entourage (the sponsors) to the epic final which also had lots of dignitaries from and outside Irete.
Mr Eseyim who also took the ceremonial kick-off informed ‘Imo Trumpeta’ that his company has always had this policy of making the indigenes of their domain come together to enjoy and exercise themselves.
“You know the youths are the focus of every society and today they have shown us what they can do, hopefully we intend to continue the union with Irete community.
We are also looking at taking some of the identified talents from this competition to participate in the Copa Coca Cola competition some time this year”, Philip stated.
The final game and other games of the competition saw some of the young talents identified by a team of technical crew led by Mr Benzico Nwosu and will soon be groomed by selected coaches for the Copa Coca Cola competition and other state and National championships.
At the end, it was double joy for the supporters of Umungada whose female team also defeated Umunwanlo 1-0 in the final game of the female category on Friday January 11.
On individual awards, Ofurum Chukwuemeka (Umungada Captain) emerged the most valuable player, Collins Odunze (Highest goal scorer with 3 goals) while Ekene Osuoha the oldest player was adjudged the best goalkeeper for the tournament.
In the female category, Miss Born Ugomma with 3 goals took the highest goal scorers award, Miss Uchechi Oguzie from Umunwanlo won the best goalkeeper while little Miss Nmesoma Longinus was adjudged the most valuable player.
Coca Cola Public Relation Officer, Mr Akuma Eze thanked the good people of Irete for kicking off the Unity Cup with Coke promising that the gains of the championship will be sustained.
