From Nwogha Ndubuisi, Abakaliki
The ongoing inter Local Government Area governor Nwifuru’s cup football competition has completed its group stage with Ishielu team leading with ten points.
Recall that Governor Nwifuru’s cup football competition kicked off on Saturday 29th July,2023 at Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium, Abakaliki.
The Ishielu LGA team, however stands as the top scorer with ten points followed by Ezza North with seven points while Izzi and Ohaozara team concluded on six points in the third places.
Interacting with the Chairman Local Organizing Committee of the match, Mr Emmanuel Utobo expressed delight in the ongoing match and tasked players to play by the rules.
Utobo who doubles as Director of Sports, Ebonyi sports Council commended the state governor, Chief Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru for the reawakening of sporting activities in the state and noted that every team has played well despite some athletes shortcomings.
He also appreciated the state Commissioner for Youths Development and Sports, Prince Richard Ugo Idike for his doggedness and support which has made the football competition interesting to sports lovers.
While responding on complaints of technical errors by majority of the loosing teams, he emphasized that success of every team is determined by training of athletes and noted that every player is eager to win even against stipulated rules of football.
He therefore said that those complaining are fans and coaches who were trying to appease their Council chairmen as to curry financial favour to their team and assured every team of ensuring that the rules and regulations guiding the match would not be undermine for interest of any person or group.
The state Sports director expressed worry over contractors of government projects negligence in payment of sports levy in support of sporting activities in the state and noted that such is practicable in other states of the federation.
“I am worried that contractors who secure contracts with Ebonyi state government are not paying sports levy which is obtainable in other states like Delta, Bayelsa and many other states as to reduce the expenses in financing sporting activities and lessen load on the government.
Also, sports enthusiast and referee, Mr George Iboko stated that the players have proven that they can stand in favourable competition at the league level.
Iboko who appreciated the Sports Commissioner for his performances charged teams not to see the game as do or die affairs.
He appealed to the state government to ensure that Ebonyi team is sponsored to compete at the league level.
