Sports
EZIACHI Secondary School, Orlu, has emerged Imo champions in the maiden First Bank/Samuel Okwaraji Nigeria U-16 Secondary Schools Football Championship.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Eziachi defeated St. Dominic Secondary School, Ugiri, Isiala Mbano Local Government Area, 2-1 in the state final played on Tuesday at the City Secondary School field, Owerri.
Akachukwu gave Eziachi the lead in the 12th minute before Emmanuel Ibe equalised for St. Dominic in the 24th minute.
Henry Anyiam scored the decisive goal from the penalty spot in the 40th minute to seal victory and qualify Eziachi to represent the state at the South-East zonal championship.
NAN reports that winners from the various state championships will compete in their respective geopolitical zones in September for places in the national finals.
The championship, sponsored by First Bank, is organised to sustain the legacy of the late Samuel Okwaraji, a former Super Eagles midfielder who died in active service.
It is expected to provide a platform to discover and nurture young football talents across the country.
Speaking after the match, the Chairman of the tournament’s Steering Committee, Sen. Osita Izunaso, commended the participating schools for their impressive display of talent, discipline and sportsmanship throughout the competition.
Izunaso, represented by the Secretary of the Organising Committee, Chidozie Achonwa, urged the players to continue working hard and take advantage of the championship to showcase their abilities.
“Every participating state is determined to win at the zonal and national levels, so I encourage everyone to support the school as it represents the state at the next stage of the competition.
“Beyond winning, this championship provides an opportunity for young players to display their talents before scouts who are searching for future stars,” he said.
Also speaking, Gov. Hope Uzodinma said there were no losers in the championship, stressing that the emergence of a state representative was a victory for Imo.
Uzodinma, represented by the Commissioner for Primary and Secondary Education, Prof. Bernard Ikegwuoha, expressed optimism that the competition would expose talented footballers from the state to greater opportunities.
“In the spirit of sportsmanship, what is important is that Imo has won.
“We believe our representatives will continue to make the state proud at the zonal and national stages,” he said.
NAN further reports that the championship is organised by the Samuel Okwaraji Foundation in collaboration with the Nigerian School Sports Federation, the Nigeria Football Federation, and the National Sports Commission.(NAN)
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Tags: Eziachi Okwaraji competition