The 2023 edition of the OML58 Host communities football tournament sponsored by TEPNG/NNPCL  in Obite community in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area  in Rivers State ended in a grand style, last Saturday.
The tournament which witnessed huge crowd saw Ele United FC of  Okinali  in Ikwerre Local Government Area  emerge champions as they narrowly beat their sister club, Elele Alimini FC with a lone goal. Ele FC winger, ThankGod Ogbonna saw back of the net in the 15th minute into the first stanza of the game.
Seventeen clubs registered in the competition which Ele United FC of Okinali drawn alongside with Obagi and Amah in group B finished as group leaders with maximum six points to progress to the quarter finals .They also defeated Ibewa 4-2 in the quarter finals and later trashed the Green Boys of Obite 3-0 at Okeh memorial field to reach finals.
Following the victory Ele United FC has won the championship four times, 2010,,2015, 2021 and 2023.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 20th edition of the OML58 host communities held at Obite civic Center playground the Deputy Managing Director, JV Assets ,Mr Guillaume Dulout said the competition was a unique project that has become one of the hallmarks and testimonies of an enduring relationship between NNPCL/TEPNG joint venture and the OML58 host communities.
Mr Dulout who was represented by Mr Henry Ehuike equally said that the competition will be preserved, notwithstanding by full provisions of the petroleum industry Act (PIA) and the formation of the various Host Community Development Trust (HCDTs).”
“ I am also delighted that together with JV partners and stakeholders, the company will continue to support its host communities for the smooth takeoff and running of the HCDTs.
“I would like to commend all the teams that have participated in this competition, for their fair play, resilience and show of soccer artistry displayed throughout the competition from the scorecard available, it has been fair play all the way with no serious injuries recorded.
“ I also salute the courage and fairness of the central organising committee who promptly and appropriately addressed the misbehaviour of one of the teams at the group stage of the tournament “ Dulout said.
Earlier, the Manager, Capacity Development and Enterprise, TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited, Mr Jacob Ologe opined that for the past 20 years, the tournament  has not recorded any crisis and appealed  for sustainability in the organisation of the competition.

By: Akujobi Amadi