Last Saturday Akarachi Foundation doled out millions of naira in prize money to winners of the first Mbaitoli/Ikeduru (Mbaike) football competition for youths in the area which ended on the 3rd January.
The award ceremony which took place at the Okigwe road, Owerri office of the Foundation saw a gathering of the team captains, coaches and councilors of the 24 participating teams (wards) in the two local governments.
It would be recalled that the tournament which commenced in November 2020 had its grand finale played at the Iho Stadium Ikeduru local government, Imo State.
Speaking on behalf of the Foundation chairman, Engr Akarachi Amadi who was conspicuously absent, Engr Obinna Nshirim cautioned the beneficiaries against disagreement in the use of the prize monies. He called on the Councilors’ to take charge and show leadership skills.
All the 24 teams that participated in the tourney got a cash prize of fifty thousand naira only. The twelve teams that qualified for the second round were blessed with another eighty thousand making it 130k.
The quarter finalists of Amata, Inyishi Umudim, Ezinihitte, Ikembara Ngugo got 230k. Ifeakala community that placed third in the competition secured 630k while Orodo who lost to Amaimo got a cash prize of 830k.
The winner, Amaimo team in addition to the trophy smiled home with a cash prize of N1,230,000. Receiving the cash Ndidi Njoku, the Councillor representing the Ward, expressed gratitude to Akarachi foundation promising to retain the cup.
The best goal keeper award went to Amarachi Anthony Azuza of Amaimo with a cash award of 80k. The highest goal scorer award was carted away for another 80k by Ikemezie Jonathan of Orodo Ward B who powered home a 6 goal haul.
Chidi Henry Okoro of Amaimo clinched the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award with 80k prize money.
Speaking at the sideline of the event, Nshirim said the competition was created to foster unity among brothers adding that “what happened today is promise made and promise fulfilled”. He promised to improve on any shortcoming in subsequent competition.
Bright Ahamefula who handled the media of the competition used the occasion to disclose the intention of the Foundation to set up an Mbaike FC, describing the tourney as successful.
