Okongwu, Vision High school Win 2024 All Secondary School Football championship
Okongwu Memorial Grammar School male has won the 2024 edition of All Secondary School Football championship.
Okongwu beat their counterpart from Vision High school 3-1 at Nnewi High School football pitch to emerge champions in the male category.
Earlier Government Technical College Ichi Ekwusigo defeated the defending champions Nigeria Science and Technical College Otolo on penalties after the game had ended at 1-1 at the regulation time to end the competition as third place winners.
In the female category, Vision High school defeated their rivals, Girls Secondary School ( Anglican Girls) by 2-1 to retain the trophy as second time champions.
Nigeria Science and Technical College female team had earlier defeated Christ the Way Secondary School to win the third position
First place winners got the sum of N150,000 and a giant trophy, while runners up got N100,000 and the third place teams N80,000 for their effort.
The competition started on Feb. 13 with a total 32 schools from three local governments of Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ekwusigo participating in both categories .
Speaking on the tournament, Chidiebere Obichebendu expressed his gratitude to those who helped make the 2024 edition successful and memorable.
“I want to appreciate everyone who helped to make this a huge success.
“It is important to note that we did not record any casualty, I wish to specially thank members of organising team who worked at different centers as well as the school coordinators.
“We want to thank our sponsors including Engr Chris Obiora, the Chairman of Nnewi North Local Government Council, Patrick-Estate Onyedum, Chairman, Anambra State Sports Development Commission and Moonshine Residence and Overjoy Hotel for their various support.
“It would not have been easy without them, we have some challenges like where some principals do not encourage their students to participate in sports, thereby depriving them the opportunity of showcasing their talents.
“In terms of sponsorship, we are still running at a loss but we are happy with what we have been able to achieve so far.
“However, we call on individuals and corporate firms to adapt and sponsors Sports as social responsibility services, government cannot do this alone,” he said.
Also speaking, Emmanuel Okwudili, the secretary of All Secondary School Championships organisers expressed satisfaction with this year’s edition and promised that next edition would be better.
Okwudili said All Secondary School championships was not only Football as plans were underway to include into other sports like, Athletics Table Tennis and other indoor sports
Some guests at the finals were, Patrick Estate Onyedum, Engr Chris Obiora and members of Sports Writers Association Of Nigeria, Anambra Chapter.