By Roland Ike
Former Super Eagles skipper, talisman and Arsenal Football Club England’s Legend, Kanu Nwankwo was present as Great Achievers FC of Enugu defeated Apex Crane FC of Asaba, to lift the sixth edition of Ifeanyi Ekwueme TICO/SELECT Pre-Season tournament n Abakaliki.
Great Achievers won the giant trophy by 4-2 victory after regulation time stood as 2-2 at the Pa Ngele Oruta stadium, Abakaliki.
Nnamdi Chukwumeremeze, Chairman of the tournament’s Local Organising Committee commended all the participating teams, noting that the pre-season tournament was designed to prepare the clubs for future championships.
He urged them to remain focused, describing sports like football as “good a business”.
“The tournament is to prepare Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and Nigeria National League (NNL) teams for their league seasons.’
Michael Onyeukwu, Technical Advisor of the Great Achiever FC said he was happy to emerge winner of the tournament.
“I thank God it ended in victory. Yes, I am crying now but this is a tear of joy. It wasn’t easy. My team has fought a good fight and we have won. To God be the glory,” Onyeukwu said.
Coach Chijioke Elendu of Apex FC commended his players for their efforts, saying it was a contest of “either you win or lose.
“It’s very unfortunate today, that my team didn’t win. Though, we started well but luck was not on our side today.
“We lost. I and my players are going back to prepare better.
Ten team participated in the tournament including Lobi Stars of Makurdi, Enyimba FC of Aba, Abia Warriors, Rivers Utd, Akwa Utd, Bendel Insurance, Mathias FC, Kun Khalifat FC of Owerri,
The competition was sponsored by former Super Eagles left winger and current Enyimba FC Sporting Director, Ifeanyi Ekwueme while TICO Select is a foreign sports kits and equipment manufacturing company.
