By Victor Nwegede, Abakaliki
In a pulsating grand finale filled with flair, fanfare, and fierce competition, Kpirikpiri Ward etched their name in local football history by defeating Echi-Aba Ward 1–0 to lift the Ada Eji Eje Mbam Unity Cup at the Nnodo Secondary School field in Abakaliki on Friday, August 1, 2025.
But the tournament was more than just a contest for football supremacy because it was a powerful demonstration of how sports can galvanize communities, unite divergent interests, and amplify the voice of youth in Ebonyi State.
From the first whistle to the final ovation, the energy was electric. Young talents dazzled the crowd with grit and grace, igniting chants from jubilant fans and drawing a curtain on weeks of grassroots competition that transcended political lines and village boundaries.
The tournament sponsor and lawmaker representing Ebonyi North East Constituency, Chief Mrs Chinyere Nwogbaga, used the event to mark her 46th birthday, but made it clear the deeper mission was youth empowerment and peacebuilding.
“This is more than football because it's about unity, vision, and bringing our young people together with purpose,” Nwogbaga declared passionately, amidst cheers. “Our communities need platforms like this where we laugh, share and grow together," she further stated.
She fulfilled her promise to reward all participants handsomely: ₦1 million to the champions, ₦700,000 and ₦400,000 to the second and third-place teams respectively, and ₦50,000 plus cleaning kits to every other ward. “Even in loss, there is dignity. No team is going home empty-handed,” she assured.
In an emotionally charged speech, Nwogbaga paid tribute to her constituents, mentors, and family, especially her father whom she described as her spiritual and political pillar. She also poured heartfelt appreciation on Governor Francis Nwifuru, referring to him as “the builder of youth, women, and the future of Ebonyi State.”
“Our loyalty to Governor Nwifuru is 100%. With the grace of God and the support of the people, 4 + 4 is 8. We are solidly behind him,” she declared to resounding applause.
She reaffirmed her commitment to interface regularly with her constituents, promising more people-centered initiatives. “This is not a one-off show. I will continue to engage our youths, empower our women, and make my people proud,” she said.
The Chairman of the occasion and State APC Chairman, Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha, didn't mince words about the broader impacts of the tournament.
“This competition has done what politics alone cannot do. It has calmed tensions, reduced youth restiveness, and even given our elders reasons to smile again,” Emegha said.
He challenged other leaders to emulate such initiatives beyond election seasons. “Empowering youths must be a continuous agenda. Football, music, debates — let us keep them engaged," Emegha recommended.
Also present was Prince Chinedu Uburu, the Ebonyi State ALGON Chairman and Executive Chairman of Ebonyi LGA, who pledged ₦500,000 in support. “This is what governance should feel like by bringing the East and West together through sport,” he said.
The presence of top government functionaries added glamour to the occasion. The Chief Whip of the National Assembly, and Senator representing Ebonyi North Senatorial District, Senator Peter Onyekachi Nwebonyi, was visibly moved by the display of sportsmanship.
“This event proves Ebonyi’s youth have greatness in them. All they need is opportunity. Let us sustain this,” he urged.
Also giving their goodwill messages, former Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria - Chief Godwin Ogbaga (Ezeudo), Prince Richard Idike - Ebonyi State Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Princess Nkechiyere Iyioku - Commissioner for Agriculture, Chief Stephen Ebere Nwogba - Executive Chairman of Abakaliki LGA, Chief S.N. Oketa - President General of Oha Izhi Nnodo Ekumaenyi, the immediate past National President of Izzi Nnodo Youth Forum, Comrade Ben Nwovu, among other applauded the spirit of unity, discipline, and sportsmanship displayed throughout the tournament.
The Executive Chairman of Abakaliki LGA, Chief Stephen Ebere Nwogba, specifically emphasized the need for such tournaments across all the state constituencies and local government areas in Ebonyi State.
“Sports knows no tribe, party, or religion. Our unity lies in activities like this. From here, we can discover the next Kanu or Okocha,” he said.
He noted that such initiatives are already being institutionalized, revealing that the local government has recently concluded its own football championship and will make it a yearly event.
“We’re also reviving Ebonyi Rice Boys Football Team, thanks to His Excellency, Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru. Sports is now a priority in Ebonyi,” he added.
The grand finale featured cultural dances, drumming, and celebration of community resilience. The Nnodo Secondary School field was packed with spectators, families, and local entertainers — all cheering not just the players, but a movement.
For many observers, the Unity Cup has become a blueprint for grassroots engagement, community healing, and sports-driven leadership.
As the final whistle blew and Kpirikpiri Ward lifted the coveted trophy under the Abakaliki sunset, one thing became clear: Football is no longer just a game in Ebonyi. It is now a language of hope, unity, and transformation.
