No fewer than 12 secondary schools in Aguata council area of Anambra State, are battling to win two million naira in the ongoing C-Unit Charity Cup Football Competition.
The tournament which kicked-off at Umuchu Mini Stadium on Thursday, will see the winner go home with one million while second and third positions will get #600,000 and 300,000 respectively.
In addition, the Best keeper, defender, midfielder, attacker and coach of the tournament, will smile home with #20,000 each.
The tournament is sponsored by C-Unit Charity Foundation, a subsidiary of Confidence Record Label, Lagos owned by Chief Onyedika Ike, a native of Ufuma in Orumba North council area under former Old Aguata Union (OAU).
The Spokesman of C-Unit Charity Foundation, Mr Alex Okechukwu said the Foundation is using the Charity Cup to give back to the society by giving the young boys opportunity to showcase their talents.
“The sponsor Chief Onyedika Ike is a philanthropist who does not have anything to profit from this tournament. If you look at the title C-Unit Charity Cup wants to give back to the society so that this young boys can showcase their talents. We just used ten local government for sample to spread to other LGAs. Thereafter, we will engage the universities in the state.
“Chief Ike is a musician who also have love for both fashion and football. This year, he has already earmarked five million naira for winners of this tournament in Ufuma.”
At the end of the kick-off match on Thursday, Community Secondary School Nkpologwu won on penalties against Government Technical College Umuchu.
In the second match that followed, Community Secondary School Isuofia used 2-1 to defeat Christ Redeemers College Amesi in the first round of the tournament.
Declaring the tournament open, the chairman, Aguata council area, Dr Chibueze Ofobuike said his administration is very much intentional about grassroot sports development and is ready to partner with individuals, public and private organisations to move the council area to greater heights.
“I feel so delighted that something like this is happening in Aguata local government area. These young boys if well groomed, can become the next Okocha and Kanu Nwankwo of our time,” said Ofobuike whose administration constructed the Umuchu Mini Stadium.
He assured that he is doing his best to provide the necessary infrastructure to promote grassroot sports development in the area including the construction of mini Stadiums at Igbo-Ukwu and Ezinifite.
The Aguata Mayor further commended the sponsor of the tournament, appreciating him for partnering with Aguata while extending hands of partnership to other good-spirited individuals in the State.
Some of the opposing players interviewed expressed gratitude to the sponsor of the tournament.
The grand finale shall be on June 13 at Umuchu Mini Stadium.###
