By Felix Igbekoyi in Sports

Asaba – Ethiope West Local Government on Saturday defeated Ndokwa East 2-0 to win the Chief James Ibori U-19 Football Tournament played at the Oghara Township stadium.

Peresent at the final were the former Governor of Delta State and the incumbent, Chief James Ibori and Senator Ifeanyi Okowa respectively.

During the third place match played yesterday morning, Aniocha North defeated Patani 2-0 to win bronze.

To reach the final, Ndokwa East defeated Aniocha North 4-0 on Friday, while Ethiope West defeated Patani 4-3 on penalties.

Governor Okowa speaking after the match hailed the organizers of the tournament, saying that it was better catching them young and also nurture them to become professionals.

He said that the re-introduction of the Principal’s Cup was aimed at catching them young with the view to taking the youths from the streets.

Corroborating, Ibori, who also commended the organizers for the feat said that he was delighted to associate with the organizers who were desirous to improve sports, especially football at the grassroots in the state.

He was grateful to the officials and players for conducting their affairs with honour and been good ambassadors of their respective council areas.

He said that the state government was doing everything possible to catch them young and retain the number one sport position in the country.

Kenneth Nwaomucha, Chairman Technical Committee, who spoke after the match said that the tournament ended on a good note.

He revealed that the technical crew did everything possible to ensure that age cheats were barred from the tournament.

According to him, any team found wanting would have been sanctioned and barred from playing in the competition, disclosing that players discovered during the tournament would have the opportunity to play for various club sides in the state as well as a chance to join the Sedar Sports and Youths Development Agency.

It would be recalled that 32 teams registered for the tournament.

You can't just take it away from this man... A sport loving Legend, the pride of Delta, the King of the South, Odidigboigbo of Africa, the best governor of Delta state and above all, a handsome husband to Nkoyo.


God bless you sir.

God bless Delta State.

God bless the PDP.

Cc; Lalasticlala