The Mbeke Development Centre team has defeated their Ekumenyi counterparts 2–0 in the opening match of the 2025 Izzi Super League, organized by the Izzi Football Association (IFA). The highly anticipated encounter took place at the Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium, Abakaliki.
The tournament, sponsored by the Ebonyi State Governor, Chief Francis Nwifuru, attracted top government functionaries, traditional rulers, and football enthusiasts from across the state.
Chairman of the occasion and Chief of Staff to the Governor, Professor Emmanuel Echiegu, praised Governor Nwifuru for his unwavering commitment to sports development, describing it as inspiring and transformative. He noted that the governor’s People’s Charter of Needs agenda has opened new opportunities for youth engagement, talent grooming, recreation, and physical development.
“His Excellency has demonstrated that the future of sports in Ebonyi State is bright and full of promise. This tournament is a platform for empowerment, social integration, and community transformation,” he said.
Professor Echiegu further commended the Izzi Football Association under the leadership of its president, His Royal Highness Eze Boniface Ezagu, for his vision and dedication to grassroots sports development. He applauded the monarch’s personal investment in the growth of football in Izzi land, noting that it had brought the clan to a historic and proud moment.
“You have turned passion into purpose and purpose into impact. This year’s competition is a true reflection of your belief that when young people are given an opportunity, they will rise to greatness,” he added.
He urged the participating teams to approach the competition with honor and sportsmanship, and encouraged coaches to uphold excellence and fairness to make the tournament a model for grassroots football development.
In his remarks, IFA President Eze Boniface Ezagu assured all teams of a level playing field, praising Governor Nwifuru for bankrolling the event. He urged the players to compete in peace, noting that the tournament should not be treated as a do-or-die affair.
Also speaking after the match, the Coordinator of Mbeke Development Centre, Hon. Franklin Nwugwu, expressed joy over his team’s victory and declared that Mbeke is poised to win this year’s trophy.
“I’m very happy to see my boys defeat their opponents two goals to zero. We are determined. With the level of training we have given them and the performance they showed today, I am very confident that we will carry this cup,” he said.
Our correspondent reports that the tournament was officially declared open by Governor Francis Nwifuru, represented by his Deputy, Princess Patricia Onyemaechi Obila, who was accompanied by members of the State Executive Council, principal government officers, support groups, and other dignitaries.
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