Upe Crowned Champions of 2024 Okenze Tobias Ekechi Unity Cup

 

The grand finale of the 9th edition of the TOE Ekechi Imerienwe/Upe Unity Cup delivered a football spectacle as Team Upe edged past Team Umunam with a narrow 1-0 victory to lift the prestigious trophy for the first time in the history of the Yuletide tournament, The Statesman Newspaper Sports desk can exclusively report. 

The highly anticipated contest, held at the Central School Field, Imerienwe, on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, was marked by intense action and showcased grassroots football at its finest.

A moment of brilliance early in the first half by Goodluck Chidera was enough to secure the win for Upe. Chidera’s clinical finish separated the two sides in what proved to be a tightly contested encounter. Despite numerous attempts by Umunam to level the scoreline, Upe’s resolute defense and tactical discipline held firm, ensuring they emerged victorious.

The tournament, fully sponsored by Honourable Okenze Tobias Ekechi, concluded with an exciting awards ceremony that recognized outstanding individual and team performances. The Members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Imo Chapter, presented a special recognition award to the sponsor for his unwavering support of grassroots football, naming him the Grassroots Talent Hunt Promoter of the Year.

Individual Awards were presented to various individuals such as; 

• Highest Goal Scorer: Philip Maduwuba

• Golden Glove Award: Ajaero Ikenna

• Most Valuable Player (MVP): Chimeremeze Nkwocha

• Young Player of the Tournament: Ikpe Anyanwu

• Best Defender Award: Ebube Awulonu

• Veteran Player Awards: Louis Amako (56 years) and Chukwuma Eze (62 years)

• Best Coach: Nnamna Njoku (Umunam)

Special Recognitions awards; 

• Best Media Support: Cosmos Chukwuemeka (Darling FM 107.3) and Solomon Onu (Hot FM 99.5)

• Vice President Kashim Shettima Peace Award: Barrister Ifeanyi Dike

• Vice President Kashim Shettima Grassroots Development Award: Coach Emmanuel Amuneke (MFR)

Team Achievements 

• Most Improved Team: Team Upe

• Most Promising Team: Team Umunam

• Third Place: Team Umuoye

• Runners-Up: Team Umunam

• Champions: Team Upe

The closing ceremony was attended by a host of dignitaries, football enthusiasts, and community members who gathered to celebrate the achievements of the players and teams.

The 2024 TOE Ekechi Imerienwe/Upe Unity Cup not only crowned new champions but also underscored the importance of grassroots football in nurturing young talent and fostering unity. With its thrilling matches and recognition of excellence, the tournament remains a cornerstone of football development in the region.