It was a thrilling match on Saturday when Ijumu Football Club thrashed Ankpa United in the maiden Kogi Unity Cup sponsored by Otunba Olayinka Braimoh, Governorship Candidate of Action Alliance (AA) in the November 11th Election.
While Ijumu knocked Kogi Local Government 3:2 to qualify for the finals, Ankpa United made it to the last two after defeating Ajaokuta 3 nil in a walkover.
The final match played at the Felele Primary School field attracted soccer fans from across the state.
Efforts by both Ijumu and Ankpa to see the back of their respective nets proved abortive in the first and second half as both teams played tactical football.
Both teams later proceeded to a penalty shootout that saw the Ijumu Boys showing their Ankpa counterpart a skillful display with a 5:4 victory.
Speaking in a message to the Competition, the AA Gubernatorial Candidate, Otunba Olayinka Braimoh noted that the Kogi Unity Cup was in fulfilment of his campaign promise to “Unite the people of Kogi State” and make them happy.
He stated that the competition which was keenly contested by the 21 local government areas of the state was the maiden edition, saying the players and official gave their best.
While congratulating the winning teams for emerging victorious, the AA governorship candidate said the Competition will be an annual event.
In appreciation of their performances, Otunba Olayinka Braimoh presented N1m to the Ijumu FC, while Ankpa United and Ajaokuta United who came 2nd and 3rd went home with N700, 000 and N500, 000 respectively.
Captain of Ijumu FC, Abdulsalam Muhammed while speaking with newsmen, expressed appreciation to Otunba Olayinka Braimoh for instituting a competition that will unite the the people and keep the youths meaningfully engaged.
He commended his team members and coaching crew for ensuring team work that culmulated to the victory, saying the triumph means a lot to them.
Cups and medals were presented to the winners and officials.
