Aboh Mbaise LGA are the inaugural winners of the Pan Nigerian Youth Governor’s Cup following their 4-2 penalty victory over Oru East LGA in the youth category in the grand finale played at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, on Thursday.
The game ended in a 1-1 draw at the end of regulation time before Aboh Mbaise triumphed in the shootout to win the hotly contested competition.
Obi Mikel scored for Oru East LGA to put them ahead in the 58th minute, but Aboh Mbaise LGA equalised almost immediately through the MVP of the competition, Emmanuel Nwasomba, a minute later.
There were no further goals in the game, which had to be decided by penalty shootouts. Chisom Nwocha, Martins Jesse, Onyero John, and Ikechi Nkemjika all converted their spot kicks for Aboh Mbaise LGA, while Obi Chikezie and Anthony Nnadozie missed theirs for Oru East LGA. Kingsley Maduike and Chukwuma Orji both scored their penalties for Oru East LGA.
It was too little for Oru East LGA, who forfeited the giant trophy to Aboh Mbaise LGA, 4-2 on penalties.
Aboh Mbaise received five million Naira for winning the competition’s youth category, while Oru East bagged three million Naira for placing second. Ikeduru LGA came third.
Prominent personalities in Imo State graced the auspicious competition, including the Imo Commissioner for Youth Development and Talent Hunt, Honourable Emeka Mandela Ukaegbu; Imo Commissioner for Sports, Honourable Obinna Onyeocha; Imo Commissioner for Education (Primary), Prof. Johncliff Chike Nwadike; Imo Commissioner for Education (Tertiary), Prof. Nwachukwu; Chairman of the Imo State Football Association, Barrister Ifeanyi Dike; Former African Footballer of the Year, Coach Emmanuel Amuneke; Aboh Mbaise Local Government Chairman, Barrister Ihukwumere Alaribe, and his Vice Leader of the Aboh Mbaise Legislative Council, Hon. Anthony Ndulor; Hon. Obi Uche; Hon. Innocent Amadiokoro; and the Chairman of Oru East LGA, among others.
