The Ada-Abuam, King Keleh
O.M. Obuge, of Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State has commended the Abua/Odual Allstars for their commitment to the development of grassroots football in the area.
King Obuge, who made the commendation during the final day of the 5th Edition of Abua/Odual Unity Cup at Central Abua last Saturday, noted that the tournament has united the communities and brought peace in the entire kingdom.
The Monarch commended the President of Abolga Allstars, Deacon Solomon Igbanibo for his focus and commitment in re-orienting and nurturing the youth for a better tomorrow.
According to him, “I commend the ABOLGA Allstars led by Deacon Solomon Igbanibo for ensuring that the competition continues inspite of the crisis in some parts of the kingdom.
He noted that the tournament has no doubt witnessed tremendous improvement in the last five years as most of the players who have participated had advanced to higher playing carrier.
“The gain of this competition has been enormous, but the most important and valuable to us are the peace and the unity it boosted among the communities and people”, he said.
He however encouraged the players to always keep faith, advising that this kind of tournament were where talents are spotted and developed.
According to him, Kanu Nwankwo, Stephen Keshi, Sampson Siasia and many other players that have made Nigeria proud were spotted from a competiton of this nature and worked themselves to where they are today.
He tasked the players to be committed to their profession, noting that commitment is one way that would help elevate them to a greater heights.
The highlight of the occasion was the presentation of awards to companies and persons who assisted the success of the competition.
Meanwhile, the final match between Netbombers Football Club and BrighStars FC ended in favour of BrightStars FC.
The match which entered into a penalty shoot out saw the goalkeeper of the BrightStars FC, Dida Emmanuel stopping all the kicks of the Netbombers FC. The United Brothers finished in third place.
Certificates of participation were given to teams while Cup and medals were also given to female team Champion and the male team Champion.
Speaking to newsmen, the President of Abua/Odual Allstars said he would step down as the president of the Association this year haven piloted the affairs of the Association for five years and hope that the new executive would carry on with the achievements of the association to a higher levels.

Keshi