By Ikenna Nwokedi 

Obieze Village on Sunday, 22nd December 2024 forced Akwa Village to a two all draw in the opening match of the Ifitedunu Unity Cup played at the field of the St Mary's High School Ifitedunu.

Obieze Village took the lead in the early exchanges as Ifeanyi Ibekwe poked home from close range in the 7th minute from a swift team counter attacking play. The lead lasted for just 8 minutes as Chidebelu Ejiofor restored parity in the 15th minute for Akwa Village to even proceedings in a pulsating encounter.

Onyeka Ejiofor rose highest to head home from a sublime free kick to give Akwa a deserved lead in the 26th minute after controlling proceedings for much of the game but their joy was shortlived as three minutes before the break, Obieze Village restored parity through Chiemelie Ugozor who capitalized from a sloppy defensive play. The game would end 2-2 after the second period which was basically an end to end game from both sides.

The Ifitedunu Unity Cup which is in memory of Prince Sir Engr. Godwin and Princess Lady Cecelia Obinabo is being sponsored by their children with five villages of Ifitedunu Community comprising of Obieze, Ukpomili, Akwa, Umuanugwo and Igbuala villages featuring in the soccer mundial holding from Sunday, 22nd December 2024 to Thursday, 2nd January 2025.

The winner of the Ifitedunu Unity Cup will take home the sum of One Million Naira while the second, third and fourth placed teams will smile home with the sum of 700 Thousand Naira, 500 Thousand Naira and 300 Thousand Naira respectively while the fifth placed team will get the sum of 200 Thousand Naira. There are other individual awards such as the Highest Goal Scorer and Most Valuable Player.

In his remarks before kickoff, the President-General of Ifitedunu Community, Comrade Stephen Ufoaroh eulogized the sponsors for providing a platform for the teeming youths of the community to discover and showcase their sporting prowess through the instrumentality of football. Ufoaroh averred that the football championship will unify the villages in Ifitedunu and provide a platform for the youths of the community to be engaged meaningfully during the festive period.

The erstwhile Chairman of ASUU UNIZIK Chapter reaffirmed that the target in the aftermath of the competition is to raise a strong team that will represent Ifitedunu in the state's Inter Community competitions and as well flout a professional football club in the mould of Ifitedunu FC. 

The PG of Ifitedunu urged the five teams to ensure they play to the rules of the game by being disciplined and exhibiting spirit of sportsmanship in the course of the competition.

Highpoints of the opening ceremony was a ceremonial kickoff performed by the PG, Comrade Ufoaroh on behalf of the sponsors as well as photo sessions by the playing personnel of the five villages with the competition planning committee.