BY SAB OSUJI

A princely sum of N3.5m has been set aside as prize money in the inaugural edition of the Solution Community Shield Open Football Championship billed to get underway on October 8, 2023, Exclusivenews.com.ng reports.

Organisers said in Awka, the  State capital, that overall winners will receive N2m as winning prize while the runners-up will take home N1m just as the third place winners will collect a N500, 000.00 consolation reward.

The championship, being jointly organised the Anambra State Football Association, Association of Anambra State Town Unions, (ASATU), Anambra State Sports Development Commission and the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs, will kick off on Sunday, 8 October, 2023 at the Awka City Stadium with the State No.1 Citizen, His Excellency, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, at 12 noon prompt.

The Solution Community Football Championship is coming after the conclusion of the maiden Anambra All Stars Football Competition, a tournament initiated by the former Nigeria international, 'General' Chikelue Iloenyosi.

Exclusivenews.com.ng understands that the Solution Community Shield Football Championship is without age barrier.

Raphael Nweke, Acting Secretary of the Anambra FA, while outlining modalities for the championship, said the championship will be held at Community level, Local Government level and State level.

Each team is expected to present a 40-man representatives, fully dressed in their colours during the opening ceremony.

"Aside the huge prize money, there will also be individual awards in the categories of Best Goalkeeper; Best Behaved Team; Most Valuable Player, and Golden Boot awards".

The championship will be conducted on knock out basis at community/local government levels with selected players integrated into the state team, Solution FC.

Participation eligibility, is on the payment of N20, 000.00 registration fee, checks revealed.