By Ikenna Nwokedi
Mgbuke Village has emerged champions of the 2024/25 edition of the Ebubechukwuuzo Unity Cup competition bankrolled by High Chief Mmaduabuchi Egboo.
In the final match played on Monday, 6th January 2025 at the Igwebuike Migrant Field Umunnachi, Mgbuke triumped 3-2 on penalties after the game ended 1-1 at regulation time with Ozzuh scoring first through an early goal in the second minute of the game scored by Arinze Okafor while Kelechi Thomas restored parity in the 25th minute of the match.
The victory for Mgbuke sees them take the first prize of N500,000 as Ozzuh Village settled for the second prize of N300,000. Umueze Village who walked over Nagbana in the third and fourth placed playoffs played earlier in the day went home with the sum of N200,000.
The Ebubechukwuuzo Unity Cup which was sponsored by High Chief Mmaduabuchi Egboo (Ebubechukwuuzo) had five villages of Umunnachi Community comprising of Umueze, Nkwelle, Ozzuh, Mgbuke and Nagbana villages featuring in the soccer fiesta which kicked off on Thursday, 26th December 2024.
Speaking to the media after the closing ceremony, Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), Comrade Odira Justice Ezeobi eulogized the benefactor, High Chief Mmaduabuchi Egboo for providing a platform for the youths of the community through the competition to showcase their footballing prowess.
Comrade Ezeobi affirmed that the football competition aided the bonding existing in the community while it also ensured that the youths of Umunnachi Community were engaged meaningfully during the festive period.
One of the football administrators in the community who represented the sponsor during the closing ceremony, Hon. Emeka Odionu commended High Chief Egboo for promoting the growth of sports in Umunnachi Community and his interest in youth affairs. Hon. Odionu disclosed that the competition will be bigger in the 2025/26 edition as the sponsor has promised to increase the prize monies to the sum of 5 million naira. He also congratulated both sides for the display of good football artistry.
Highlights of the closing ceremony was the decoration of the two teams with the winning medals and trophies.
Congratulations to Mgbuke team
Congratulations to mgbuke boys, keep winning.