More Young Footballers Hit Spotlight

More Young Footballers Hit Spotlight... as 10th Utuama Peace Cup holds
       *Tournament achieving its purpose - Oneya



Going by the economic and security situation of Nigeria, youths are encouraged to explore their potentials across industries, as well as shun criminal acts. The sport industry, unarguably, a common level playing platform, has overtime created opportunities for the teeming youths to achieve their dreams.

The Utuama Peace Cup, a yearly tournament sponsored by former deputy governor of Delta state, Professor Amos Utuama (SAN), is one of such platforms that has for the past 10 years, created a platform for young people aspiring to become football stars, kick off their careers.

At the grand finale of the 2016 tournament, held New Year's Day at the Otu-Jeremi Township stadium, Ughelli South council area of Delta state, some young Nigerians commenced their journey to a successful career in football.

Notable among these youngsters is 17 year old Uweala Anayo, who played for the Jeremi United FC, became the Most Valuable Player (MVP) and highest goal scorer, with 10 goals in six matches.

Recall that three players Oghenekaro, Matthew Ediye, Michael Egbeta, who have passed through the Utuama Peace Cup are signed in Egypt, Australia and Sweden clubs.

Speaking with IMirror, chairman of the Utuama Peace Cup committee, Brigadier General Dominic Oneya (Rtd) said that its essence was to engage youths, encourage sport development and promote peace in the state.

Commending Prof. Utuama for his foresight in establishing the competition, he disclosed that the tournament which started at local level within Effurun, Udu, Ughelli and Warri, has spread outside the state.

Noting that remarkable talents have been discovered from the tournament, Oneya urged those who have the means to sponsor other sports competitions.

 "His aim is to preach peace by encouraging the youths to get engaged in playing football and to know that through soccer people get discovered to play at higher levels. The late Stephen Keshi attended and saw some talents about three years ago.

"It started at a local level and it has grown to state level. People from the riverine, northern parts of the state now participate. The tournament is achieving its purpose. It means a lot to him (Utuama)," he said.

One aide of the sponsor, Kingsley Mrakpor, noted that the 2016 tournament was remarkable because "it is the first time the tournament is held outside outside the sponsor being in government."

In a brief peace talk, Chairman of UN POLAC, Alhaji Abdusalami Ikpuze said "It is better to bring youths together and that they should play match rather than go to war," further calling for peace match between warring Udu and Aladja communities.

The finals which was between Lord Mark FC, Ekete and Bobbi United, Ogunu, saw the former winning with two goals to one (2-1).

The event witnessed presentation of awards to the state governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa and the Bolowei Tunde Smooth, as ambassador and patron of the annual tournament and it was later rounded off with beautiful shots of fireworks.

Those present include Chief Ossai Atubi, UN POLAC; Mr. Etu Moses, Delta Force, several past and present political leaders among others.