Sports
Why I Sponsor Nkpor Football League – Elijah
The sponsor of Xandro Football League Cup in Nkpor Kingdom in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, Chief Alexander Elijah has given reasons why he donated a trophy to be competed for among eight principal communities that make up the great Nkpor Kingdom.
Making this disclosure while fielding questions from Tidesports source, at a grand reception organised for the eventual winner of the trophy at stake, Owhorji FC at Nkpor Kingdom, Chief Elijah said that his desire was basically to use the football competition to keep the youths busy and happy, away from other social vices.
He further stated that through this grassroots football competition, some budding young talents could also be exposed and possibly hit stardom to become great players in near future.
“Honestly, I’m not only impressed with the standard of the game exhibited by the young boys but also very happy that my articulated vision in sponsoring the football competition has succeeded in bringing everybody in Nkpor Kingdom together as brothers and sisters, irrespective of the side that eventually won the trophy at the end of the day”, said he.
While encouraging the youths to always remain focused and committed in active participation not only in football but in other meaningful things that will portray the image of Nkpor Kingdom in good light before the outside world, Chief Elijah, an ardent supporter of Manchester United FC equally assured of his readiness to continue to make the football tournament an annual event.
“Believe me; I’m optimistic forward that the organisation of this year’s (2021) Nkpor Football League Cup Competition would be more bigger and better in all ramifications, having rolled up my sleeves to assist any good potential that will want to use football as career for living.”
Also in a separate interview, the Secretary General of Xandro League Soccer Cup Competition, Wamadi B. Ibuchim was full of praises for the sponsor of the competition, Alexander Elijah, stressing that he has done well in investing his resources meaningfully towards the promotion of grassroots football in Nkpor Kingdom, believing that other well meaning individuals will emulate his good steps.
The visibly elated scribe of the competition also took time to commend the quality of game displayed by the participated eight communities in Nkpor Kingdom, adding that their skills displayed, were true to the setting of a grassroots football standard that needs encouragement by all and sundry.
You may wish to know that Owhorji FC defeated Opara-Amadi FC 2-1 at the final of the competition.
The championship will run from today to October 12 at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia. On the ground for the championship are athletes from Brazil, Peru, Egypt, Cameroon, Tunisia, Nigeria, Mauritius and Rwanda. They arrived on Sunday.
Some of the other countries were expected in the Abia State capital yesterday. Speaking on the championship, yesterday, Abia State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Nwobilor Ananaba, said the chief host, Governor Alex Otti, has mobilised facilities and the personnel to ensure a successful event.
Speaking through the Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports, Raymond Chima Ukwa, said: “We have the best mats, playing mats, especially the wheelchair playing mats, which is the first of its kind in West Africa.
“If you go around, you’ll see the hall and the preparation that has been made to ensure that people have an equitable world-class playing field.” Thrilled by Governor Otti’s support for the competition, Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) President, Francis Orbih, said that, besides making all the necessary arrangements that will ensure a successful hosting of the events, “we will have a Para-Badminton workshop for coaches and players.
“Nigeria is doing well, Abia is doing well, and we want to do better to improve on where we are, which is why all these have been put together by Governor Otti.”
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles began their campaign at the 24th FIFA U20 World Cup with a narrow 1–0 loss to Norway on Monday, despite creating several opportunities to level the game.
Norway took the lead in the 9th minute after being awarded a controversial penalty. The Flying Eagles pressed for an equaliser but were denied two penalty claims in the second half.
Kparobo Arierhi came close in the 47th minute when his shot drifted wide with the goalkeeper beaten, while Tahir Maigana struck the upright in the 63rd minute.
Nasiru Salihu’s rising effort in the 71st minute also went narrowly over the bar, drawing gasps from the crowd.
Seven minutes from time, Maigana again tested Norway with a long-range strike that went just wide as Nigeria continued to pile on the pressure.
Despite their dominance, the Flying Eagles could not find the breakthrough and now turn their attention to Thursday’s clash against Saudi Arabia in their second group match.
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