Inibehe Ukpanah football tournament: Nung Ita emerges champions

Nung Ita Ikot Obio Akan in Oruk Anam  Local Government has emerged the overall winner in the Engr. Inibehe Ukpanah 2014 football tournament which the finals of the tournament took place on 31st of December last year at Government Primary School, Nsekhe in Ukanafun LGA.

The league started on the 15th December with 10 communities in the 3 neighbouring LGAs of Ukanafun, Etim Ekpo and Oruk Anam. Teams from Nsekhe, Uruk Otong, Nung Ita, Nkek Abak, Ukanafun Edem Inyang, Abat, Ikot Idem Udoh, Ndot Ikot Eda, Ikot Okoro and All Stars of Ukanafun.

Nung Ita floored Ndot Ikot Eda in the finals while Nkek Abak came 3rd. The leading teams smiled home with trophies and cash. So were all the participating teams and officials. Speaking at the event, the sponsor of the event, Engr. Inibehe Ukpanah said he has been compelled by a clarion call to patriotism to key into the uncommon transformation of Governor Godswill Akpabio who promotes unity and human resources development among the people of the State. 

He stressed that bringing the three neigbouring LGAs to come together would promote friendly sporting competition among the people of the State, just as it would encourage talent hunt among the untapped sporting resources, adding that his vision is to produce a formidable football club that would be the breeding ground for national strikers as football is now a goldmine. He encouraged the players to redouble their effort next season as corporate sponsors have been tipped to finance the encounter. Engr. Ukpanah who has exhibited generous gesture of sponsorship in the past years promised to sponsor the referee during the league to an all- paid-expenses course on football officiating.  

Also speaking, a lecturer in the department of Agric economics, University of Uyo, Prof Victor Ebong thanked Ukpanah for sponsoring the tournament which has helped to foster unity among the three neighbours. He expressed the hope that the leather event would help to bring up hidden talents among the people. Prof. Ebong who was described as goalkeeper emeritus stated that the performance of the participating teams was generally impressive and assured them that efforts are being made to launch them to national limelight provided that they are consistent with their performance.

Engr. Mfon Akpaneyen assured the participating teams that he would bring corporate sponsors to assist in financing the league. He charged the footballers to take their vocation seriously as many have been shot to international limelight through dint of hardwork and commitment.

The event was attended by community leaders and sport lovers: Mr. Samuel Ebong, Mr. Aniefiok Udotong, Mr. Ita Ukourom, Chief Imo Robert Umanah who is the Village head of Afaha Obo, youths, among others.