The 12th edition of the NNPC/TEPNG Football competition 2013 for OML 58 host communities in Rivers State, sponsored by Total E&P, got underway last Thursday in Obite, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni local governemtn area, Rivers State.
The competition commenced with the opening ceremony and opening match that pitched defending champions and seven-time winners, Erema gainst Obiyebe.
In the presence of an impressive crowed that included management staff of Total E&P, chiefs and paramount rulers of the OML58 communities, youths and football enthusiasts, Obiyebe United FC stunned the defending champions 2-1 in the opening match to indicate that this year’s edition would be keenly contested.
Erema United FC had gone into the match with confidence having dominated the past 11 editions of the competition. But Obiyebe, whose highest achievement in the competition was a fourth place finish in 2009 shocked them with two quick goals scored by Isaac Victor in the fourth minite and Oyebuzor Amadi in the seventh.
Erema however, rallied for a comeback in the second half but only succeeded in pulling one goal back, courtesy of Otito Dede in the closing moments of the game.
Speaking earlier during the opening ceremony, the Executive General Manager, JVA Field Operation, Mr Jean-Claude Vachet noted that two communities, Ihuaba and Ubeta from Ekpeye kingdom would be participating in the competition.
He said that Total E&P had continued to make change that will add glamour and strengthen the teams in the championship.
Mr Vachet further noted that the ‘Catch Them Young’ initiative of the competition has started paying off. “Our partnership with Dreamland Football Academy is yielding results as some of the boys identified form past edition are now on the verge of leaving to Europe on playing tour/trails,” said Vachet.
He hoped that the Rivers State Football Association and the referees would work towards ensuring fair play and friendship throughout the championship and appealed to participating teams, officials and fans to see the competition as an opportunity to make new friends by upholding fair play at all times.
Chairman, OML58 Consultative Committee, Mr Chibuzor Wisdom Dike, on his part said that the football season affords them the opportunity to strengthen the bonds of unity and relationships among the communities.
He called for the establishment of OML58 Communities Football Academy to serve as a training ground for identification, grooming and marketing of talented youth.
Various speakers including the Rivers State FA and leaders of communities, especially in Egi kingdom expressed happiness with Total E&P and commended the organization for its efforts in giving the youth a platform to explore and express their talents.