By Victor Nwegede, Abakaliki.
The grand finale of the Enviable Football Tournament, sponsored by Ebonyi-born philanthropist and business mogul, High Chief Enviable Chukwuemeka Ituma, on Sunday brought excitement, unity and top-class grassroots football to Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium, Abakaliki.
The keenly contested final match featured the Tigers of Ohaukwu Local Government Area against the Lions of Ezza North Local Government Area in a thrilling encounter that highlighted skill, discipline and determination from both teams.
At the end of the match, Ohaukwu LGA emerged champions with a convincing 3–0 victory to lift the prestigious Enviable Cup.
After a closely fought first half, the Tigers broke the deadlock in the second half through a well-taken penalty, which shifted the momentum in their favour.
Buoyed by confidence and tactical superiority, Ohaukwu went on to score two additional goals, sealing their dominance, while Ezza North battled bravely but failed to find the back of the net.
The tournament, which featured teams from the 13 Local Government Areas of Ebonyi State, was made possible through a historic N100 million sponsorship by High Chief Enviable Chukwuemeka Ituma.
The initiative has been widely applauded as one of the largest privately funded grassroots sports competitions in the state, offering young football talents a platform to showcase their skills while fostering unity among communities.
Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State, who graced the grand finale, commended Ituma for his visionary investment in youth development through sports. He described the tournament as timely and impactful, noting that it aligns with his administration’s commitment to positively engaging young people, promoting peace and using sports as a tool for social cohesion and development.
The Governor congratulated Ohaukwu LGA on their well-deserved victory, praising their teamwork and consistency throughout the competition.
He also lauded Ezza North LGA and other participating teams for their sportsmanship and competitive spirit.
Beyond the goals and trophies, the Enviable Football Tournament stood out as a celebration of football, entertainment and unity, drawing massive support from football enthusiasts, community leaders and stakeholders across the state.
The colourful atmosphere at the stadium underscored the power of sports to unite people beyond ethnic and political divides.
With its successful conclusion, the tournament has set a new benchmark for grassroots sports development in Ebonyi State, reinforcing the growing role of private sector participation in nurturing young talents and building a stronger, more united society through football.
