Raffia City Starlets, Sir Monty Babes crowned Senate President’s U-18 Unity Cup champions

...GRASOF promises opportunities for emerging talents as ex-internationals grace final

 

By Maxwell Kumoye 

 

 

Raffia City Starlets and Sir Monty Babes, both from Akwa Ibom State, emerged champions in the boys’ and girls’ categories at the third edition of the Senate President’s U-18 Unity football competition in Ikot Ekpene.

Raffia City Starlets edged Anambra-based St. Patrick’s FC 6-5 on penalties after a thrilling 1-1 draw in regulation time to win the boys’ title, while Sir Monty Babes defeated Cross River’s Flon Queens Academy 1-0 to claim the girls’ crown.

The finals, played at the Ikot Ekpene Township Stadium on Sunday, November 1, brought a week of intense grassroots football competition to a close, with 24 teams from different parts of the country participating.

In the boys’ final, St. Patrick’s FC appeared to be on course for victory after midfielder Chukwuemeka Prince broke the deadlock early in the second half with a well-directed effort.

However, Raffia City Starlets refused to surrender, maintaining pressure in search of an equaliser.

Their persistence paid off in the closing minutes when Etinyene Daniel rose to head home from close range, restoring parity and sending their supporters into wild celebrations.

With neither side able to find a winner before the final whistle, the contest proceeded to a penalty shootout, where Raffia City Starlets held their nerve to prevail 6-5 and secure the championship trophy.

In the girls’ category, Sir Monty Babes completed an unbeaten campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Flon Queens Academy of Cross River State.

Favour Enodumwenben scored the decisive goal to seal the title for the Akwa Ibom side.

Speaking after the competition, the National President of the Grassroots Sports Federation (GRASOF) and tournament coordinator, Honourable John Bassey Ekpenyong, disclosed that several promising players had been identified during the tournament.

He expressed optimism that programmes would be organised in the coming weeks to camp and train the selected players before presenting them to local and international scouts.

The initiative, he explained, would provide an opportunity for outstanding young footballers to develop their abilities and pursue opportunities beyond grassroots competition.

Chairman of the Main Organising Committee, Dr Mike Uyi, commended the participating teams for their professionalism and conduct throughout the tournament.

Uyi also expressed confidence that many of the young players would go on to achieve success in their football careers in the coming years.

Tournament ambassador and former Nigeria Football Federation General Secretary, Mr Fanny Amun, emphasised the importance of organising more grassroots competitions to identify and expose hidden football talents across the country.

The finals attracted several former Nigerian internationals and football personalities, including Andrew Uwe, Akaradut Orok and former national team coach Patrick Udoh, among others.

A total of 24 teams participated in the week-long competition, comprising 18 boys’ teams and six girls’ teams from different states of the country.

With the third edition now concluded, attention will turn to next year's fourth edition, as organisers look to build on the competition's role in identifying and developing young football talents across Nigeria.