..As Ogbe Community Takes On Ere-na-Abirigwe In Opener
..Tourney Kicks-off Jan 28
All is now set for the maiden edition of the Ikukuoma -Mbaise N20m Owerri Zone Unity Football Competition organized for Wards/Communities in Owerri Senatorial Zone of Imo State.
Draws for the U-20 football tournament ably powered by the President of Ikukuoma Sports Development Foundation, High Chief Dr. Summers Nwokie “Ikukuoma 1 of Mbaise” was successfully conducted on Saturday January 20, 2024 at the foundation’s office on Egbu Road, Owerri.
The draw saw the 24 registered teams drawn into 8 Groups of three teams per group with Ere-na-Abirigwe in Owerri West LGA to take on Ogbe in of Ahiazu Mbaise LGA in the opener on Sunday January 28, 2024 at the Central School Field, Ezegbogu in Ezinihitte Mbaise LGA by 3pm.
In his reaction after the draw, the DG of the Foundation, Comrade Julius Nnaji, expressed that the tournament is in line with the foundation’s primary objective to empower youths of our society through sports adding that catching the talents young is the major brain behind it as it’s for teams with players within the age bracket of 20 and below.
While thanking his boss for his untiring efforts and undyi zeal to give young talented players opportunity to excel, he explained that all players must come from Owerri Zone but can wish to play for any team of their choice as he urged the team Managers and Coaches to ensure they stick to the rules and guidelines of the competition especially fielding players within the age limit in other to achieve the main purpose of the competition.
He further stated that after the opening ceremony on January 28, that they will be two matches every day starting from Tuesday January 30, 2024 noting that at the end of the group matches, two top teams from each group will proceed to the round of 16 (knockout) and then to the quarter finals as well as the semifinal before the final.
He also disclosed that all the 24 teams will be handed branded set of jersey during the opening ceremony for the competition to add colour to the youthful soccer fiesta as handsome prizes are already lined up for winners including individual awards to motivate the players and teams.
