As part of the 10 years’ anniversary celebration of the reign of the King of the Igbos in Ghana, HRM Eze Chukudi Jude Ihenetu, a unity football competition has been launched with eight Igbo participating teams from various parts of the country.
The competition called the “Ezeigbo Ghana Unity Cup” will enforce unity among the Igbos in Ghana ahead of their annual yam festival and 10 years’ celebration of the Igbo throne in Ghana.
Addressing the participating teams and their supporters at the launch on Saturday, July 16, 2022, HRM Eze Chukudi Jude Ihenetu explained that the tournament was part of activities lined up to encourage unity among all the Igbos in Ghana.
He expressed delight at the level of commitment from the various sub-chiefs in raising their teams to participate in the competition. He reminded the participants that the games are for unity purposes and not a “do or die” affair.
“We decided to organize a football tournament among Igbos that live in Ghana and to the glory of God, we have solid eight teams that will play in this tournament. The games will be played twice every month with the finals on 17th September prior to the yam festival” he noted.
The renowned King assured the participating teams of the rewards that are instituted for the winners of the competition. He asserted that the winner of the tournament will have a GHC10,000 cash reward with the trophy of the tournament. The second and third runner-ups will have GHC5000 and GHC2500 respectively as cash rewards for their efforts.
Prince Tagoe, Emmanuel Agyemang Badu, Fatau Dauda were some ex-black star players who graced the official launch of the tournament. Prince Tagoe, the former striker of the Black Stars expressed delight at the tournament and assured the King and his subjects of his continual support anytime he is being called upon. He explained that most of his friends that he played with internationally, were Nigerians that threated him right.
The former Udinese player and under 20 World Cup winner, Emmanuel Agyemang Badu also eulogized the King of the Igbo Community for his commitment to the development of the Igbo people and the human race in general. He expressed delight at the nature of the tournament and confirms his support for the tournament any day.
Fatau Dauda, former Enyimba FC goalkeeper, spoke highly of the kindness and support he received from the Nigerian community during his days at the football club. He also sarcastically apologized to the King for the defeat inflicted on Nigeria by their Ghanaian counterparts hindering them from going to the 2022 World up in Qatar.
According to the organizers, the Ezeigbo Ghana Unity Cup has come to stay and will expand to have the Igbos play against other Ghanaian football clubs in the future.
By Derick Botyoe and Jeorge Wilson Kingson