By Ikenna Nwokedi 

De Godz FC began the defense of the Remmy Uche Soccer Challenge Cup they won last season with a two nil win against Niger Stars FC.

The match which was played at the Chuba Ikpeazu Stadium on Sunday, 12th November 2023 had the sponsor of the competition, Chief Remigius Uchenna Anyadike in attendance.

In a ceremonial kick-off before the match, Barrister Emeka Asiegbu, Secretary, Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) Onitsha Branch performed the kickoff of the match as fans of football in Onitsha turned out in their numbers for the cracker.

Nnamdi Ferdinand gave De Godz FC an early lead benefiting from a simple tap-in off a poor defensive show by the Niger Stars FC backline. Innocent Aniekwe doubled their lead just before the break to take the game beyond the Stars as they held on in the second 45 minutes for the three points at stake.

Reacting after the match, Proprietor of De Godz FC, Kingsley Ndukauba described the win as a good start to their title defense. The football administrator stated that before the competition they looked at areas of their strength as well as their point of weakness and have worked towards it in ensuring that they stay focused on the task ahead as they are poised to retain the trophy for the second time in two years.

On his part, the sponsor, Chief Remigius Uchenna Anyadike (Akuzaza, Akuchukwu 1 of Umudioka) opined that the competition is aimed at keeping the youths in the state busy through football and offering the platform for them to showcase their potentials via the round-leather game. Anyadike averred that it is part of his company's corporate social responsibility in giving back to the society through sports.

The young Real Estate developer admonished the teams to play to the rules of the game and ensure they display spirit of sportsmanship during the course of the competition.

The winner of this year's Remmy Uche Soccer Challenge Cup will go home with the sum of three million naira, the runners up will go home with two million naira while there is one million for the third placed team as well as consolation prizes.

To emerge as Champions in the second edition, De Godz FC defeated Ozalla FC by 6-5 on penalties after 1-1 draw during regulation time in the finals of the second edition.