New Dawn FC star, Emmanuel King Wednesday defeated 21 other players to emerge champion in the maiden edition of the Ultimate Skills Challenge.

The challenge was organised by the Rising Star Football League (RSFL) and held at the Bwari Township Stadium, Abuja.

King had tied on 71 points with his closest challenger, Philip Onyedika but clinched the honour with a tie-breaker.

He went home with N250,000 while Onyedika who came second got N100,000. John Godwin came third and smiled home with N50,000. All the twenty-two players received N10,000 as appearance fees.

"It was a beautiful program and I am grateful to the management for this opportunity to help the young and grassroots footballer to grow. I am glad I emerged champion after a close tie with my opponent," he said. 

Speaking with the league's project supervisor, Ifeanyi Kama, the challenge was instituted to keep the players busy after the league had ended a few weeks back.

"It is done for the best players in the league. It is an event to keep them going, not to be idle, and encourage them after the league has ended. We are trying to keep the energy up there. We are trying to showcase these talents to the world," he said.

He further sought more partnerships from brands as it is working with the FCT football association to develop the players.

"Basically, we are currently working with the FCT FA and affiliated with them for this program. We can’t do this alone as we need their support to promote these players," he noted.

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