The 9th edition of the Use-Offot Inter Family Soccer fiesta came to an end on the new year day, 1st January, 2014 with Nnung Ekong Family team beating Nnung Akwa Family team three goals to one in a penalty shootout after regulation time ended in a barren draw to lift the giant trophy for a record fifth time.
In the third place playoff match between Nnung Abitid and Nnung Iyion on 31st Dec. 2013, Nnung Abitid won by a convincing four goals to one and all the five goals were scored in the second forty five minutes of the match.
Elerius James of Nnung Ekong won the best player of the tournament. The best goal keeper of the tournament went to the Nnung Ekong goal keeper, Akaninyene Effiom. He saved two penalties in the final match. He also saved a penalty in the semi final match between Nnung Abitid.
The highest goal scorer award went to Akanimo Christopher of Nnung Abitid. He scored two goals in the tournament and made one assist. Nnung Amum team was given an award for being the best behaved team in the tournament.
A ten year old boy, Mboutidem Paulinus of Nnung Akwa was given an award as the youngest player of the tournament while a 45 year old man, Ini Ita also of Nnung Akwa won the oldest player award.
Nnung Ekong Family team which have now won the competition for five times were given the giant trophy donated by Hon. Ekerette Ekpenyong, the executive chairman of Uyo L.G.A. They were also given the sum of fifty thousand naira while Nnung Akwa, the runners up was given a smaller trophy with the sum of forty thousand naira. Nnung Abitid, the third placed team was given the sum of thirty thousand naira. The remaining teams of Nnung Iyion, nnung Atai and Nnung Amum were given twenty thousand naira each as consolation prizes.
A People’s Democratic Party stalwart in the State, Obong Augustine Ikpe, a native of Use-Offot, while delivering a speech in the grand finale, emphasized that the essence of the Use-Offot Unity Cup is to foster unity and peaceful communal coexistence among the six families that make Use Offot village. He also added that a grassroots soccer competition of this nature also serves as a breeding ground were future talents can be discovered and polished to represent Nigeria in soccer competitions. He added the sum of eight thousand naira to Nnung Ekong Family team for winning the competition and then gave five thousand naira each to the remaining five families.
The Use Offot Unity Cup takes place every two years. Nnung Ekong has won five times while Nnung Abitid and Nnung Amum have won the competition once respectively. The next edition will take place in 2015.
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