By Sab Osuji
Nnamdi Paul’s 48th minute exquisite strike separated the two sides as Oyi Local Government claimed a famous 1-0 win over Dunukofia LGA in the opening fixture of the maiden edition of the Anambra State inter local government BrainBox Football League at the Awka City Stadium.
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The Oyi youngsters were dominant and enjoyed possession for a greater part of the thrilling contest but time and again lacked the cutting edge in the final third.
Six minutes after kick off, Oyi served their Dunukofia counterparts notice of intent when Paul dragged his headed effort marginally wide off the post.
But Dunukofia didn’t heed the warning as the Oyi side continued to boss their foes in the thrilling contest as both sides went into the break on even note.
But just three minutes after the break, Paul planted the ball into the bottom corner to send the crowded arena into jubilation.
Anambra FA Chairman, ‘General’ Chikelue Iloenyosi whose commanding presence ensured things fell into pleasant lines, tournament sponsor,
Chinenye Samuel Ezeugo, Sir Victor Nwangwu, Uzor Epundu, amongst other dignitaries that included National Youth Council, NYC, leader Anambra State, were delighted with the quality of performance on the opening day of the month-long Festival of football in the state.
All the 21 local governments in the state are taking part in the maiden edition of the Youth Council/Inter Local Government football league being powered by BrainBox Sports Foundation.
All the participating teams received N200, 000 appearance fee each and a set of jersey.
The overall winners will receive a winning prize money of N3m while the first and second runners-up will get N2m and N1m respectively.
This is aside cash reward for individual performers in the BrainBox League which includes N200, 000 for the title winning coach, N100, 000 for the tournament’s MVP, Highest Goal Scorer and Best Goalkeeper.
There were March past by the youth Council with the leader taking the salute.
Before Saturday’s event got underway, there was a sensitisation parade by the Youth Council and their brass band from the stadium to the Ekwueme Square and back.
The BrainBox League continues next weekend at same venue, Awka City Stadium.
Nice one