…As Offiomeni, Loko Lock Horns In Semi, Wednesday
It was exciting and thrilling as the Amanyanabo of Ogu Kingdom, King Nicholas Dickson Ibiebele Nimenibo, Loko IX Peace Football Cup Competition kicked off last Saturday with the five major Groups of Houses and Torukongo Communities participating.
The ceremony took place at the Ogu Mini Stadium (St. Martins School Field) Ogu with an opening match between Loko Group of Houses and Torukongo Communities with the game ending 1-1 at regulation time.
Speaking with journalists after the encounter, the sponsor and Amanyanabo of Ogu Kingdom in Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area, His Majesty, King Nicholas Dickson Ibiebele Nimenibo, Loko IX said the competition was to encourage the youths to maintain the existing peace in the community as well as engage them positively rather than indulging in social vices that are inimical to the society.
King Ninenibo opined that budding talents abound in the kingdom, adding that football had become a source of livelihood for many families.
The first class Ogu monarch who enjoined the players to be disciplined and play the game in the spirit of good sportsmanship charged them to showcase their talents as the best player, best behaved team and the highest goal scorer will be given award at the grand finale.
The king also disclosed that the winner of the competition, the runners up and the third place team will cart home mouth watering prices, promising that it will be an annual event.
He also hinted that an inter-Group of Houses Wrestling and Canoe Race Competitions will take place before the end of the year in order to revive the traditional sports of the people and wishesd the teams best of luck.
In his remarks, the Co-ordinator of the Championship, Sonny Alli Joseph promised to observe fair play according to FIFA rules in order to further encourage them as future leaders of tomorrow and thanked the Ogu monarch the initiative and financial commitments.
The five major Group of Houses participating in the competition include Loko Group of Houses, Kurukuru Groups, Omodara Groups, Offiomani Group, Ama Group of Houses and Torukongo Communities.
Results of other matches played, Omodara lost 3-1 to Kurukuru while Ama Group and Torukongo played 1-1 and Offiomani walloped Omodara 4-0. Ama also played 2-2 with Loko while Kurukuru and Offiomani also played 1-1.
Meanwhile, Offiomani will lock horns with Loko tomorrow with the second semi finals while the third place match will come up Sunday, July 28th, 2019 by 1 p.m. and the grand finale have also been fixed for 4 p.m. the same day.
