…As St. Patrick’s, Essien Udim, seal quarter-final spot
The Ikot Ekpene Township Stadium in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, venue of the ongoing third edition of the Senate President’s U-18 Unity football competition, continued to attract fans and spectators as the matches got underway.
The highlight of Tuesday’s matches was the unscheduled visit of the Chairman, Main Organising Committee (MOC), Dr Mike Uyi, who was filled with excitement after witnessing the passion of the boys on the field and the doggedness of the organisers of the competition, the Grassroots Sports Federation (GRASOF).
Speaking with some of the players at half-time, he reminded the boys of the essence of the competition, which, among other things, is to use football to unite the country, as well as engage youths, and contribute to talent development.
“You are doing well, and it is very good. I commend your efforts. From time to time, we will continue to appreciate your efforts, and whatever has been your challenge will be handled.
“We thank the organisers for their work so far, and also the teams for participating in this competition. It is an honour for him”, he concluded.
Results of matchday 3 saw St. Patrick’s FC book their quarter-final spot after defeating Powerful Boys by one goal to nil, with Igwe Paul scoring his third goal of the campaign. Rafia City Starlets kept their hope alive after coming from a goal down to beat Rich Destiny Academy two goals to one.
In the other fixtures, Daja United made their debut, but couldn’t stand the energy of their Essien Udim counterpart, losing two goals to nil, while Maureen Mmadu FC also lost two nil to Regnant Football Academy.
In the women’s category, Sir Monty FC started their campaign with a two-nil victory over Flon Queens, while in the last encounter of the day, Solo Wonders humbled the youngest side of the tournament, Dreams Alive Academy, by three unreplied goals.
The group stages will be concluded on Wednesday.
Matchday 3 Results
Maureen Madu FA 0 vs 2 Regnant FA
Daja United 0 vs 2 Essien Udim
Powerful Boys 0 vs 1 St. Patrick’s FC
Rich Destiny 1 vs 2 Rafia City Starlets
Sir Monty 2 vs 0 Flon Queens
Dreams Alive 0 vs 3 Solo Wonders
Source: Sports Archives – New Telegraph
