Uyo: Gov. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has doled out the sum of N20 million to the overall winners of the 2024 Governor’s Cup football competition.
Eno, represented by Commissioner for Sport Paul Bassey, made the disbursement at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Tuesday.
The governor expressed delight that the competition lived up to its billing as one of the most thrilling football finals in recent memory.
He said that, despite Uyo FC being the favourites to win, Ikot Abasi FC pulled off a stunning upset to claim the championship.
He expressed delight that the competition brought out the best in the participating teams.
Eno also commended organisers for discovering talented youths through the event, adding that many of them have gone on to play for football clubs in Akwa Ibom and neighbouring states.
“The Governor’s Cup final was one of the best football finals that I have watched.
“I don’t want to talk about the ambience of this competition from the beginning to the end, and the support we got from the Chairmen of each of the Local Government Areas.
“The event is something that we want to do again; it brought out the best, and I want to thank the organisers for discovering talented youths through the event,” Eno said.
The governor also thanked the players for their outstanding performance and the Chairmen of the Local Government Areas (LGA) for their support.
Responding, the Uyo FC captain, Nsikak Sylvanus, thanked the governor for the gesture and for fulfilling his promise.
He said that such a reward would boost the morale of other youths to do their best in the next competition.
The Ikot Abasi FC, being the overall winner, received N10 million, Uyo FC, which came second, took N6 million, and Uruefong Uruko scored third and received N4 million.
The football competition, which commenced in 2023, ended on March 28, 2024, at the Uyo township stadium and featured participants from all the 31 LGAs.