Ughelli, Delta State – In a riveting clash that lived up to the anticipation of the Oghwoghwa El Classico, Ogor Kingdom, the two-time defending champions, displayed football prowess by defeating Orogun Kingdom in the Ughelli North Chairman’s Football Cup 2024 opener held at the Ughelli Township Stadium on Thursday, January 25th, 2024.
The defending champions showcased their dominance with a commendable second-half 2-0 victory over their fierce rivals. One of the goals was secured through a penalty kick, further emphasizing Ogor’s strategic and skillful gameplay.
Organized by the Ughelli North Local Government Area Chairman, Hon. Chief Godwin Adode (JP) aka Coach Tete, the tournament marks its third edition and is dedicated to the memory of the late Mr. David Emunefe aka Coach Automatic. Before his passing in 2014, Coach Automatic significantly contributed to sports development in Ughelli by grooming numerous stars through Manatics Football Club, including notable players like Oghenekaro Etebor, who currently plays in the Nigerian national football team.
Dignitaries who graced the kickoff ceremony included Chief Pius Omubare, LEA Secretary, Mr. Okiemute Goodday Igogono, the Secretary to the Local Government, Comrade Solomon Osharive, Chairman of Otovwodo Park, Zenith Bank manager Mr. Matthew, and former footballers such as Ufuoma Ajuya, Godwin Anneke, Victory Ovedje, among others. Notably present was Ughelli North Chairmanship aspirant, Comrade Lucky Ofomukoro.
As the tournament unfolds, participating kingdoms, including Ogor, Agharha, Ughelli, Evwreni, Orogun, Agbarho, and Uwheru, are geared up to compete for glory and supremacy. The Ughelli North Chairman’s Football Cup 2024 winner will take home a coveted prize of seven hundred thousand naira (N700,000).
The Ughelli North Chairman’s Football Cup 2024 has set the stage for an exciting series of encounters, and football enthusiasts can expect a tournament filled with exceptional displays of skill and determination.
Despite Orogun Kingdom’s loss to Ogor Kingdom, there is optimism that the team will bounce back with renewed motivation. The trio of Orogun Kingdom’s President General, Chief Barr. Benson Ndakara, Chief Do-Good O-Efe-Nogo (JP), the Oruese 1 of Orogun Kingdom, and Adjerese Oghene-Mechach Anuku have provided moral and financial encouragement to the team coupled with a powerful delegation from the kingdom which includes Mr. Frisco, Mr. Foster Akpore, Comrade Hitler OgheneNyerhovwo Romeo, Comrade Felix Orogunfere and others.
Under the leadership of Stanley Ugbeh, the coaching crew is expected to reevaluate their strategies and plans for a more favourable outcome in their upcoming match against Agbarha Kingdom. This match is scheduled for Tuesday, January 30, 2024, and is anticipated to be another thrilling Oghwoghwa El Classico, but will Agbarha kingdom hold its ground against Orogun? Only time will tell.
