It was an explosion of emo
tions and quality football skills as curtain drew on the 13th edition of the NNPC/TEPNG Football Competition for OML 58 host communities in Rivers State last week.
The final match of the competition sponsored by Total E&P was decided on Thursday at the football  field of Western Ahoada County High School, Ahoada, between the teams of Erema and Ogbogu communities.
In the end, Erema, the seven time champions made it eight with a late minute goal that sent their fans into cloud nine.
There was demonstration of what the competition meant and has brought to the communities as Erema fans, both old and young took to the field at the final whistle, sang and danced with reckless abandon.  For the time, all troubles and ill-feelings were apparently forgotten.
According to a couple of the fans who celebrated, the football competition has been a blessing for the communities, especially, the  youth, who have benefited so much.
Indeed, the final match was an enthralling experience  as both finalists exhibited quality performance  that could pass for a professional league match.
Ogbogu, who were trying to get their hands on the trophy for the first time pushed perennial winners, Erema all the way, led by their impressive captain, Henry Johnson, who emerged the most valuable player of the competition.
But Erema summoned all  their wealth of experience to stay alive and claimed the ultimate  prize deep into added time.
Speaking during the closing ceremony, the Deputy Managing Director, Port Harcourt District of Total, Mr Nicolas Brunet, represented by the Executive General Manager, Engr Vincent Nnadi said that the competition is an illustration of the relationship Total would want to preserve with the communities.
He expressed pride at the progress being made by some products of the competition who are playing professional football in Romania and stated  that they would continue to work towards restrcturing the competition to enhance its quality, glamour and value.
Other individual prizes went to Chief Ajie of Ogbazu who emerged the highest goal scorer with six goals and Julius Enebeli of Erema, the best goalkeeper, while the team from Eyekele Community earned the fair play award.