The grand finale of football fiesta in Ward 10, Port Harcourt City Local Government Area (PHALGA), initiated by the councillor representing the ward, Hon. Tony Opara, ended on Thursday with glitz and glamour.
According to the organizers of the event, held at the State School, Nkpolu, Oroworukwo, twenty clubs registered and competed in the tourney, which kicked off on December 2, 2018, with four teams emerging for the finals in the male and female categories respectively.
In the male category, National Union FC lost 0-3 to the eventual winners, Sir Ken FC, in the epoch final. The thrilling encounter saw both sides display good football skills to the admiration of the teeming crowd. The female category was quite entertaining as Matty FC walloped Selected All Stars FC 3-2 in a penalty shootout after regulation time.
Both victorious teams were presented with giant trophies as well as cash prizes and medals, while several gifts and cash awards were also given to the most valuable players for their outstanding performances.
Speaking shortly after the event, initiator and sponsor of the football tournament, Hon. Tony Opara said he was fulfilled and happy, with great enthusiasm, to do greater things for his people. The councillor added that as part of his electioneering campaign promises his dream has been fulfilled, noting that the mandate given to him to serve will be fully actualized to the glory of God and humanity.
He promised to sustain the tempo so as to create an enabling atmosphere for peace, hence he initiated the idea of the football tournament to bring youths and people of like-minds together
Coaches of both teams poured encomiums on the sponsor for his magnanimity and large heart and prayed for his success in the Hallowed Chamber
Dignitaries and eminent personalities, including political stakeholders who witnessed the thrilling grand finale lauded “the giant strides of Hon. Tony Opara,” stressing that he is indeed a political masterpiece.