Ogoni Champions Cup Ends In Grand Style

Bori, the traditional headquarters of the Ogoni people came alive at the weekend as Bori United Stars defeated Indornitable Lions of Bori 8-6 on penalties to lift the trophy of the maiden edition of Ogoni Champions’ Cup, 2010.

It was indeed a tension-soaked match inside the mainbowl of Birabi Memorial Grammar School, BMGS, Bori which attracted about 30,000 spectators.

Bori United made early incursions into their opponent’s vital area in the first half through the restless Dumte Biakpara, but their efforts at goal did not pay off.

The second half also witnessed a flurry of missed chances from both sides until the centre referee, Joseph Bibi called for penalties.

Bori United triumphed during the penalty kicks, thanks to the efforts of their goalkeeper, who was adjudged the man-of-the-match.

In a speech at the closing ceremony, president of the Ogoni Football Organisation, organisers of the championship, Martins Giadom said that the essence of the competition was to champion re-integration and reconciliation among the various tribes and villages in Ogoni Kingdom.

According to him, “through this football platform, we have been able to mobilise, galvarnise and engage the youths of Ogoni in well structured events and activities that have ultimately resulted in the discovery and development of their talents”.

Giadom thanked the sole sponsor of the competition, Chief Solomon Lah for his support and expressed the readiness of his group to partner with government and other bodies in fishing out football talents on the area.

“We call on the Governor of Rivers State, well meaning sons and daughters of Rivers State and Ogoni in particular to join us in our renewed bid to properly position Ogoni for sustainable development,” he appealed.

In his speech, coach of Dolphins FC, commended the level of football displayed, and announced that eight players had been picked to join Dolphin’s pre-season camp.