By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo
Ikot Abasi Local Council would pocket Five Million Naira for emerging the champions of the 2023/24 Akwa Ibom Governor’s Cup competition after beating favorites Uyo Local Council 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
At the final which had Governor Umo Eno as the Special Guest of Honour at the Uyo Township Stadium, Ikot Abasi took the lead in the second minute of the encounter through Abraham Bassey, before Shedrack Anthony levelled for Uyo five minutes after the interval.
The second half started with an early scare from Uyo, but the effort was ruled offside by the FIFA badged centre referee, Mfon Akpan.
Uyo continued to threaten, but missed a golden opportunity to grab the winner in the 83rd minute when striker Shedrack Anthony failed to convert from the spot.
With the game straight into penalty shootouts, Uyo missed their first and the last kick, as Ikot Abasi scored four times to win Governor’s Cup for the first time in the history of the competition.
Earlier, Glorious Felix’s goal was enough for Urue Offong Oruko to defeat Essien Udim to clinch the bronze medal of the competition.
Speaking before the presentation of the trophy to the Champions, Eno who was represented by his Deputy, Senator Akon Eyakenyi congratulated Ikot Abasi for their spirited performance at the final and commended Uyo for putting up a good fight.
He thanked all the 31 teams that took part in the competition and assured that his administration would continue to support the growth and development of sports in the state, which he described as a veritable tool for peace, unity and talent discovery in the state.
The Governor who announced the prize money of 5 Million to the winners, N3 Million to second place team and N2 Million to the third place team, promised to personally receive the three teams next Wedi at the State Executive Chamber, Government House Uyo before the commencement of SEC meeting.
For the individual awards, Agada Daniel from Urue Offong Oruko emerged the Highest Goal Scorer with nine goals, Hossana Uyoh from Uyo was awarded the Most Valuable Player of the competition, Ikot Abasi goalkeeper, Blessed Iwok won the Best Goalkeeper while Essien Udim was voted the Best Behaved Team of the competition.
