By Enyinna Omoke, Abakaliki.
Warriors Football Club of Ekka Community has emerged champions of the maiden Ezza Ezekuna Unity Cup Tournament, defeating Alioma Community in a dramatic penalty shootout at the grand finale held at the Onueke Township Stadium, Ezza South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
Commending the initiative, Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru lauded the sponsor of the tournament, Ebonyi-born business mogul, Engr. Darlington Ugota, describing the competition as a powerful platform for youth empowerment, peacebuilding, and grassroots sports development in the state.
The Governor, who was represented by the Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Moses Ije Odunwa, expressed appreciation to the organizers for their resilience and commitment to nurturing young talents through sports.
According to him, initiatives such as the Ezza Unity Cup possess the capacity to redirect the energy of youths toward productive ventures, foster unity, and promote peaceful coexistence among communities.
Governor Nwifuru called on the Ezza people to continue to be their brothers’ keepers by upholding their cultural values and sustaining peace, which he noted remains critical to the overall development of the clan and the state at large.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to delivering democratic dividends across all parts of Ebonyi State and stressed that lasting peace requires collective sacrifice and unity of purpose.
“To encourage the continuity of this laudable initiative, the government will continue to partner with individuals who are genuinely committed to youth development and peacebuilding,” the Governor stated, while making a financial donation to support the tournament.
He further charged Engr. Ugota to sustain the competition, describing it as a veritable tool for strengthening brotherhood and unity among the Ezza Nation.
The keenly contested final match lived up to expectations, ending in a goalless draw before Warriors FC edged Alioma Community in a tense penalty shootout to lift the coveted trophy.
The prize structure of the tournament saw:
1st Position (Warriors FC of Ekka): ₦2,500,000
2nd Position (Alioma Community): ₦1,500,000
3rd Position (Ameka Football Club): ₦1,000,000
An additional ₦6,600,000 is to be shared among other participating teams, as determined by the tournament organizers.
Earlier in his remarks, the sponsor, Engr. Darlington Ugota, said the competition was inspired by Governor Nwifuru’s peace initiatives and commitment to unity across Ebonyi State.
He explained that the tournament was designed to bring together youths from different communities, promote friendship, and harness football as a unifying force.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Vice-Chancellor of Ebonyi State University, Prof. Michael Awoke, and Rt. Hon. Joseph Nwobasi, both of whom praised the initiative and urged other well-meaning Ebonyi sons and daughters to emulate the gesture.
Speaking to journalists, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Barr. Ifeanyi Nworie, said the primary objective of the tournament peace and unity had been successfully achieved.
“It has now become a standard that December 27 is set aside for the opening match of the Ezza Unity Cup to consolidate the peace initiatives of the Ebonyi State Governor,” Nworie said.
“I urge our youths to emulate what is happening here. The sponsor of this competition is a youth, and it is heartwarming to see youth leadership driving development in Ezza land. If others follow this example, Ezza will continue to move forward.”
