- Everest Ezihe, Owerri
Plans have reached advanced stage for the commencement of the multi million Naira second edition of the Akarachi Mbaike Unity Football Competition for the 24 INEC Wards in Mbaitoli/Ikeduru (Mbaike) Federal Constituency.
Addressing members of the Sports Writers Association, Imo State chapter, last weekend at the Dan Anyiam stadium, Hon. Godson Onyemaobi, the Local Organizing Committee, LOC Chairman, said the competition would kick off Monday December 13, 2021 at the Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu Stadium, Iho in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State.
Onyemaobi informed that the opening ceremony of the annual football tournament which is powered by youthful Prince Akarachi Amadi, CEO Akarachi Foundation will feature an exciting encounter between Uzoagba and Iho INEC Wards.
The SSA on Sports to Imo State Governor, said all the 12 INEC Wards in both LGAs that make up ‘Mbaike’ Federal Constituency namely, Mbaitoli and Ikeduru LGAs will be in action showcasing their football skills as they fight for the N20 million naira worth tournament.
He stressed that the competition apart from helping to foster unity, peace and Harmony among the constituents will equally avail talented footballers in the area the opportunity to be identified by scouts to be invited by the sponsor to witness the tournament.
“We have concluded plans to bring scouts from across the nation who will be on ground to spot talents that can in the near future play for NNL and NPFL club sides in Nigeria as well as in Europe,” the ex-Heartland FC General Manager noted.
“Its going to be a spectacular edition as the LOC is gearing towards turning the championship into a carnival in other to meaningfully engage the youths so as to help curb social vices and reduce crime rate in the area as well as place one of the largest federal constituency in Nigeria on global map especially this Yuletide period.
It will be recalled that in the final of the maiden edition held last year which took place at the Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu Stadium complex, Iho in Ikeduru LGA, Amaimo triumphed against Orodo Ward B to emerge as the reigning champions.
Onyemaobi said it point blank that the grand finale of the second edition of the competition which is scheduled to hold on Monday 3rd January, 2022 will be hosted at Ohuba Central School field in Ubomiri, Mbaitoli LGA.
Fixtures Of 2021/22 Akarachi Mbaike Unity Cup which is on knock out basis;
Ikeduru:Uzoagba vs Iho (13/12/21),Amatta vs Amaimo (14/12/21),Inyishi/Umudim vs Atta 1 (15/12/21),Amakohia vs OUE (16/12/21),Ngugo vs Atta 2 (17/12/21), Avuvu vs Akabo (18/12/21)
Mbaitoli:Ogwa 1 vs Ezinihitte (14/12/21), Ifakala vs Afara Eziama (15/12/21), Ubomiri vs Orodo A (16/12/21),Amike Mbieri vs Ogwa 11 (17/12/21),Ogbaku vs Umunoha/Asano (18/12/21),Umuagwu Umunoha vs Orodo B (19/12/21)
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