About 37 community football teams in Ezza, Ebonyi State, have registered for a Football tournament tagged, “Ezza Ezekuna Unity Cup.”

The competition which started on December 27 is expected to end on January 7.

Organiser and sponsor of the tournament, Darlington Uguta, said during the official opening on Sunday in Onueke, Ezza South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, that it was organised to discover grassroots football talents.

Mr Uguta, a philanthropist, said that the game was also organised to engage the youth in constructive activities and support youths empowerment policies of the federal and state governments.

“It will serve as a scouting platform to identify promising athletes while diverting youths from social vices. This Unity Cup is to engage youths, promote peace, and develop future stars.

“We want to change the narrative. We want to raise local players from the streets to help them improve their playing styles, their thinking and approach to the game,” he added.

Chairman, Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the competition, Ifeanyi Nworie, said the competition would feature players of under-13 and under-22 categories.

“We have a total of 37 community teams from the 36 communities of Ezzaland. This is simply to identify talents that can be harnessed to international standard. This is to create avenue that fostermes more peace among our people. We have hope that the discovered talents will be fully harnessed and utilised.

“On prizes set for the tournament, we have been careful about that but the best players and teams will be rewarded handsomely,” Mr Nworie stated.

Executive Chairman of Ezza-South Local Government Area, Euphemia Nwali, described the initiative as “welcome development” in an efforts to engage the youths meaningfully and check restiveness.

Mrs Nwali charged the young players to take advantage of the moment to showcase their skills.

She, therefore commended Mr Uguta and pledged the council’s support to youths development.

The tournament was officially declared open by the Catholic Bishop of Abakaliki Diocese, Rev. Fr. Peter Chukwu.

The tournament’s opening match between Isinkwo and Abomege football club ended 3–3 after an intense contest.

Supper Star, Oriuzor, Ezza-Ntezi, Ezza-Oka, Ogaja-Ezagu, Oshegbe and Glory are some of the other participating teams. 

(NAN)