Akwa Ibom State has recorded another first far away in the federal capital territory.
At the final of the female category of the Senate President’s Football Tournament, the Elegant Angels Football Academy of Ikono, Akwa Ibom State, defeated the FCT Ladies of Abuja to emerge champions.
The pulsating encounter at the Old Parade Ground, Abuja, which stretched into penalty shootout, saw the Ikono Angels win after the regular time ended with a goal apiece.
Motivated by the Chairman of Ikono and founder of the Academy, Engr. Oto-Obong Essien, the Akwa Ibom reps showed tenacity and courage in holding on to record a trophy in its first outing as a team.
A goal scored earlier in the first half by the Elegant Angels, was cancelled late in the second half by the FCT Ladies in a match watched by a charged crowd including the Senate Deputy Committee Chairman on Sports, Senator Ned Nwoko, SSA to the Akwa Ibom Governor on Research and Documentation, Dr. Essien Ndueso.
During the penalty shootout, the first five kicks resulted in 3-3, and while the Ikono Team scored their sixth spot kick, the goalkeeper saved that of the FCT Ladies, sending despair down the spines of the FCT Supporters who had thronged the Stadium.
The second representatives from the State, Essien Udim FC were not so lucky as they lost narrowly on penalties in the final to Tanko Baba United Fc of Nassarawa State in the male category.
Speaking, the Senate President who was represented by the Deputy Senate Committee Chairman on Sports , Senator Ned Nwoko commended the teams for their tactical discipline and commitment.
He announced that next year’s edition of the tournament will be hosted in Delta State, adding that he will commit N100m for the participants in that tournament.
Sen Nwoko supported the victorious teams with 10m naira and promised to facilitate the prize money for the teams within the week.
Speaking at the occasion, Chairman of Ikono local government area, Engr. Oto-Obong Essien said her passion to found the female team came through Governor Umo Eno’s investments in Sports and grassroots development in Akwa Ibom State.
“Just few weeks ago, the Governor organized a massive sports festival in our State and this is just one of the fallouts of the exercise,” Engr Essien said.
