Toba Owojaiye reporting
Benin, Edo state
Agba Grammar School in Uromi emerged victorious in the third edition of the Uromi Like Minds Football Championship for Secondary Schools, held in Esan North East LGA of Edo State, South-South Nigeria. After reaching the finals for three consecutive years, Agba Grammar School secured their win with a 1-0 victory over Obeidu Secondary School, also from Uromi.
The closely contested match played on the 26th of December, drew a significant crowd of indigenous Uromi people, who gathered from around the world to celebrate the Yuletide.
This triumph marks Agba Grammar School’s success after the first edition was claimed by Buddy Group of Schools, and the second edition by Arue Secondary School.
The intense competition showcased the dedication and skill of the participating schools, contributing to the vibrant sports culture in the region. Agba Grammar School’s achievement not only brings them the coveted trophy but also the prestigious top prize of N150,000.
Uromi Like Minds Initiative Chairman, Mr. Sylvester Abumere Ekpen in a message of appreciation thanked the members of the LOC headed my Mr. Faith Ojeaga, board member of the Edo state football association for successfully organising the tournament for three consecutive years. He also appreciated members of the organization home and in the diaspora for their support and cooperation.
While Congratulating the winners, the Secretary General of the Organization and chairman of sports committee, Deacon Darlington Okpebholo Ray expressed confidence that the next edition will be better and more competitive as more schools have signalled their intentions to participate.
He thanked the members who were at home to support the Director of Project, Prince Ken Edenojie to ensure the success of the final.
He said, “I am using the medium to thank our members, our welfare committee chairman, who doubles as the vice chairman of the organization Engr Sebastine Osita, Director of Project, Prince Ken Edenojie, Mr. Fred Egbiremonlen, Mr. Jonathan Okojieabulu, Mr. Armani Era Akhigbe who flew in from Toronto Canada, as well as others who were involved in the organisation”.
We are confident that the next edition of 2024 would be better and bigger as we have heard from the LOC chairman, Faith Ojeaga, that more schools will be participating”.
The second placed team took home N100,000 and the third placed took N75,000.
The atmosphere during the final match was electric, with supporters eagerly cheering for their respective schools. The win for Agba Grammar School adds a new chapter to the legacy of the Uromi Like Minds Football Championship, reinforcing the event’s significance in promoting sportsmanship and unity within the local community.