Kun Khalifa FC of Owerri has emerged as the champions of the inaugural Abia State Governor’s NALCOMA Pre-Season Tournament, held at the Enyimba Stadium in Aba.

The tournament, which featured six teams from the South-East and South-South regions, concluded with a thrilling final. Kun Khalifa triumphed over Abia Comets of Umuahia in a penalty shootout, winning 5-4 after a 1-1 draw at full time.

Kun Khalifa took the lead in the 67th minute, with Awurum Samuel scoring from a corner kick. However, Abia Comets responded dramatically when substitute Chinedu Nwankpa netted the equalizer in injury time, forcing the game into penalties. In the shootout, Kun Khalifa converted four of their kicks, while Abia Comets managed three, sealing the victory for the Owerri-based side.

At the conclusion of the tournament, George Aluo, Chairman of the Nigeria National League (NNL), commended Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, for his unwavering support of youth sports. He encouraged the teams to take full advantage of the opportunity provided by the tournament to refine their squads ahead of the upcoming league season, set to begin on November 30.

Chief Boniface Alozie Uche, the NALCOMA representative in the NNL, also praised Governor Otti for his commitment to the development of youth football. He expressed optimism that the teams would benefit greatly from the tournament, helping them make the necessary adjustments before the start of the league.

The four-day tournament saw participation from six teams: Abia Comets (Umuahia), Kun Khalifa (Owerri), Edel (Awka), Solution FC (Awka), Diamond FA (Umuahia), and Uchecaria FC (Aba).