By Victor Nwegede
All roads lead to the iconic Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium, Abakaliki, this Sunday as Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital FC (AE-FUTHA FC) squares off against Building Material FC in the grand finale of the Defend FON Urban City Football Competition — a grassroots football spectacle that has electrified Abakaliki North State Constituency for over a month.
Sponsored by Hon. Victor Chidi Nwoke, member representing Abakaliki North in the Ebonyi State House of Assembly and Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, the competition was conceived to foster youth engagement, promote grassroots sports development, and galvanize support for the impactful leadership of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru.
Popularly known as "Defender" among his supporters, Hon. Nwoke emphasized that the tournament also serves as a token of appreciation to his constituents for their overwhelming support during the 2023 general elections.
Organized by the Central Organizing Committee, under the leadership of the Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports Development, Mr. Pius Nwankwo, the competition has been widely hailed for its transparency, fair officiating, and professional coordination.
The championship match is scheduled to kick off by 2:00 PM on Sunday, with the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru, expected to grace the occasion as Special Guest of Honour, alongside other dignitaries, sports enthusiasts, and political leaders.
Speaking to journalists, Mr. Nwabueze Ekuma, Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee and leader of the Motorcycle Parts Industrial Market, described the task of organizing the event as “enormous but impactful.” He noted that the competition not only provided entertainment but also served as a rallying point for traders and youths from different sectors of the state capital.
Ekuma confirmed that all arrangements have been finalized for an exhilarating final, featuring elite referees and match officials to ensure a smooth, world-class contest.
In a chorus of commendation, football fans and analysts—Chuks Uga, Emeka Nwanna, and Ikenna Nwosu—praised the initiative, describing it as a powerful vehicle for youth development and civic engagement. They called on other political officeholders to emulate Hon. Nwoke’s commitment to sports and community outreach.
In a precursor to the grand finale, Timber FC will clash with NATA FC in the third-place playoff, promising fans a double-header of football excitement.
As the whistle blows on Sunday, the battle lines will be drawn. Will AE-FUTHA FC seize glory, or will Building Material FC cement their legacy? Football fans in Ebonyi are in for a showdown to remember.
