Amuda Ward Clinches N2.5m as Ogah’s Agu N’Echeibe Football Tournament Ends in Grand Style

Amuda Ward Clinches N2.5m as Ogah’s Agu N’Echeibe Football Tournament Ends in Grand Style

The Agu N’Echeibe Youth Football Tournament for Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency came to a thrilling conclusion weekend, with Amuda Ward in Umunneochi emerging champions after defeating Isiala Ward 3 of Isuikwuato 2-1 in a keenly contested final.

The football competition, initiated by the member representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Amobi Godwin Ogah, was organized to promote youth engagement, strengthen unity across communities and create opportunities for grassroots talent discovery.

The final match, played at the Isuikwuato Central Field, drew a large crowd of supporters, community leaders and political stakeholders, as Amuda Ward displayed resilience to edge out their opponents and lift the trophy.

In the third-place playoff, ABSU/Umuanyi Ward 10 defeated Ezingodo Ward 2-0 to finish in third position.

Speaking at the grand finale, Abia State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Nwaobilor Ananaba, commended Hon. Ogah for what he described as a visionary initiative capable of positively engaging young people and promoting peaceful coexistence in the constituency.

He noted that football and other sporting activities remain effective tools for youth development, adding that the state government would continue to identify outstanding talents from grassroots competitions and connect them to professional opportunities.

According to him, exceptional players discovered through such tournaments would be closely monitored and integrated into clubs such as Abia Warriors and Abia Comets, stressing that sports remain a key part of the government’s youth empowerment agenda.

Former Super Eagles captain and Chairman of Enyimba FC, Nwankwo Kanu, also praised the initiative, describing it as a valuable platform for discovering and nurturing football talents.

Kanu said opportunities like the tournament were vital in helping young players develop confidence and gain exposure.

“We are here to identify talents and encourage them. Competitions like this can open doors and create future stars. It takes commitment to organize something of this scale, and I commend Hon. Ogah for making it happen,” he said.

Chairman of Enyimba F.C, Kanu Nwankwo, assured players and supporters that the full list of talents selected during the tournament would be released soon.

Addressing participants and supporters, Hon. Ogah reaffirmed his commitment to youth and human capital development, describing investment in sports as one of the most impactful ways of empowering the younger generation.

He said while other empowerment initiatives remained important, providing platforms for youths to showcase their abilities and pursue careers through sports offered lasting benefits to individuals and communities.

Ogah also called on constituents to continue supporting the administration of Governor Alex Otti and the Labour Party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Also speaking, Labour Party’s Abia North Senatorial candidate, David Ogba Onuoha, popularly known as Bourdex, described the tournament as a practical demonstration of unity and youth inclusion, noting that football instills discipline, teamwork and perseverance.

The tournament, held under the theme “Mobilizing Youths and Building the Future,” also featured grassroots sensitization, empowerment activities and partnerships aimed at promoting development across Isuikwuato and Umunneochi.

A major highlight of the event was the discovery of Emmanuel Okwuobasi, a young left winger who impressed during the third-place match while playing for ABSU/Umuanyi. Following his outstanding performance,
Kanu announced an immediate signing opportunity for the youngster with Enyimba FC.

At the event, the Face of Umunneochi organization honoured Hon. Ogah with an award in recognition of his contributions to the development of the constituency.

At the end of the competition, Amuda Ward went home with the star prize of N2.5 million, while runners-up Isiala Ward 3 received N1.5 million. ABSU/Umuanyi Ward 10 earned N1 million for finishing third, while fourth-placed Ezingodo also received recognition.

The presentation of trophies and cash prizes brought the event to a jubilant close as supporters and residents celebrated what many described as a successful grassroots sporting festival and a major boost for youth development in the constituency.