Maduako Igbokwe I Monday, Nov. 20, 2023
AWKA, Nigeria – Anambra Traders football Competition has entered the final stage as Nkwo Market, Umunze on Sunday defeated Ajasa Market- Onitsha 6-3 in one of the semi finals played at the Chuba lkpeazu Stadium, Onitsha.
The match ended 2-2 draw at regulation time, forcing the teams into penalties and the Umunze-side netted 4 and Ajasa-side was only able to net one.
Both teams have earlier met in the Group B stage where they played 1-1 draw qualifying to represent the group in the semi finals berth.
The unlucky Ajasa-side side lost later, while the Umunze-side, which is more adventurous, scaled through to finals of the game.
In the second match on Sunday, Iron Dealers Market, Atani defeated New Motor Parts, Nnewi 2-1 at the Godwin Achebe Stadium.
Onitsha is to square up against Nkwo Market, Umunze in the finals. The final is slated for Awka Township Stadium and expected to be witnessed by Governor Charles Soludo.
It was not an easy match for the Nkwo Market, Umunze against Ajasa Market, Onitsha in a highly entertaining and keenly contested encounter to reach the final stage.
Nnadozie Onyejekwe’s sole effort opened scoring for Umunze-side in the 11th minute to the admiration of the fans.
Chukwu Nwankwo equalized for his side in the 33rd minute via penalty spot kick, David Uchechukwu gave Ajasa Market, Onitsha team the lead with the second goal in the 42rd minute before the interval.
The Umunze team came back smoky on resumption looking for an equalizer which paid off in the 84th minute by Chizelum Ezeora, while several efforts by Ajasa Market, Onitsha to increase the tally did not pay off at regulation time.
Elated Okeke, Coach of the Nkwo Market, Umunze said his side was already looking forward to facing the opponent, the Iron Dealers in the finals.
“We are going back home to make corrections for the final match in Awka. My players are all enthusiastic for the D-Day on November 26 finals,” he said.
Marcel Nwachukwu, Sports Officer Onitsha Zone commended both finalists, particularly the Umunze and Ajasa players’ performance in the semi final match.
“Nkwo Market, Umunze players were thoroughly exhausted before securing victory against Ajasa Market players. It was not an easy game for the two teams.
“I am happy for the show of sportsmanship spirit so far by all the teams in the competition. I am looking forward to good soccer artistry in the finals,” he said.
Winners at the end will get N3 million, while the first runner gets N2 million and second runner up go home with N1 million .
The Anambra Traders Sports Competition started on Oct 18 with five events including Football, Tennis, Table Tennis, Draught and Ncho.
