Raffia City Starlets and Monty Babes played exceptionally to lift the trophies in the one week event
By Pius Ayinor
Raffia City Starlets of Akwa Ibom State have emerged champions in the Boy’s category of the Senate President’s U18 Unity Cup. Sir Monty Babes also of Akwa Ibom won the ladies category. The competition played in the third edition.
In the final played inside the Ikot Ekpene Township Stadium on Sunday, Raffia City Starlets stole the show, winning 6-5 on penalties after a thrilling and tight contest which ended 1-1 at regulation time.
Both teams proved they were deserving finalists, showcasing skills and character on the pitch, and tried to find the back of the net at any given opportunity, but it was the Anambra based team that drew first blood much early in the second half through a well directed kick by midfielder, Chukwuemeka Prince.
When it seemed like St. Patrick’s FC were on their way to lifting the trophy, Raffia City Starlets constant pressure paid off few minutes to the end of the game as Etinyene Daniel, headed in from close range to draw level, which led to a wild celebration by fans and spectators.
At the shootout, Raffia City Starlets triumphed 6-5, and went home with the trophy.
In the women’s category, Sir Monty Babes ensured they finished unbeaten by cruising to a 1-0 victory, with Favour Enodumwenben scoring the only goal in the game, against Flon Queens Academy of Cross River State.
Speaking with newsmen after the competition, National President, Grassroots Sports Federation (GRASOF) and Tournament Coordinator, Hon John Bassey Ekpeyoung, was pleased to say that several players had been selected during the competition, and hopefully, programmes will be organized in the coming weeks to camp and train them, before availing them to both local and international scouts.
Chairman, Main Organising Committee, Dr Mike Uyi, praised the teams for their professionalism and conduct throughout the tourney, as he expressed optimism that most of the players would excel in the coming years.
Tournament Ambassador and former General Secretary of the Nigerian Football Federation, Mr Fanny Amun, on his part stressed the need for more grassroots competitions to help expose hidden talents across the nooks and cranny of the country
The final was attended by several ex-internationals among who are Mr Andrew Uwe, Akaradut Orok, former National team coach, Patrick Udoh, among others.
A total number of twenty four teams from the different states of the country, comprising eighteen male and six female teams, took part in the tournament, held in Ikot Ekpene, in Akwa Ibom State.
With the conclusion of the 3rd edition of the Senate President’s U-18 unity football competition, all eyes will now be on the 4th edition to be held next year.
PHoto: Rafia City Starlets
