Umuosu community has emerged overall champions of the Coral Football League after a convincing 2-0 victory over Umuagungolori Obiohuru.
The final tournament played at Williams Memorial Secondary School, Afugiri, in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State, attracted a large turnout of residents, stakeholders and football enthusiasts. It was marked by high-level competition, community pride and a peaceful atmosphere that reflected the unifying spirit of the tournament.
Speaking at the event, the sponsor of the competition, Dr Charles Iheanyi Ukeagu, explained that the Coral Football League was organised in honour of his late mother, Elder Mrs Margaret Ukeagu. He said the initiative was born out of a desire to use football as a tool for promoting unity, healthy competition and social interaction among communities in Afugiri and its environs.
According to him, the tournament was designed not just to produce a winner, but to strengthen bonds and create shared moments of joy across the communities.
Dr Ukeagu commended the participating teams for their discipline, sportsmanship and commitment throughout the competition, noting that the league recorded no incidents of violence or disorder from start to finish. He described the peaceful conduct of players and supporters as a major success and a strong encouragement to sustain and expand the initiative.
He also lauded the organising committee, officials of the NPLF, match officials and the match commissioner, Mr Ukaegbu Jonathan, for their professionalism and effective coordination.He announced that the Coral Football League would henceforth be an annual event, with plans already in place to increase the prize money in future editions.
Dr Ukeagu expressed optimism that the competition would continue to grow into a major grassroots football platform that would help discover talents, engage youths positively and further unite the Afugiri community.
The victory earned Umuosu the championship trophy and a cash prize of one million naira, while Umuagungolori Obiohuru finished as runners-up and received seven hundred thousand naira. Umuchukwu Umuekwule placed third and went home with five hundred thousand naira.
Also speaking, the immediate past Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Engr Chinedum Orji, who assisted High Chief Enyinnaya Onyekwere during the decoration of the winners, commended the quality of football displayed at the tournament and also lauded the organisers for their coordination.
He urged youths to embrace sports as a positive avenue for personal development and pledged continued support for initiatives that promote unity and youth engagement.
In their separate speeches, the President of Ohuhu Welfare Union, Youth Wing, Mr Iheanacho Uchenna and Mr Collins Utah, applauded Dr Ukeagu and other contributors for staging a competition that brought excitement, unity and a sense of homecoming to the community during the festive period.
Azubike Uchechukwu David was named Most Valuable Player, Odinma Stephen Iroatunmere emerged as Best Goalkeeper and Ahamefule Chibuike finished as the Highest Goal Scorer of the tournament.
The former ASEPA General Manager, Chief Eze Okwulehie, Mr Obi Onwuzuruike, Mr Emeka Elias, High Chief Enyinnaya Onyekwere, former member that represented Umuahia North State Constituency, Chief Kelechi Onuzuruike and the founder of Don FM Radio, Mayor Lucky Igbokwe, popularly known as Don Lulu, among other distinguished personalities witnessed the grand finale of the football competition.
