By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Maureen Mmadu Kiddies team, at the weekend, emerged champions of the NEROS Pharmaceuticals/Anambra FA cup finals, (female category), held at NEROS stadium, Nanka, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Petit midfielder, Chigozie Idika, scored the scintillating winning goal 38mins into the first half of play.

Though their opponents, Awka Angels, pressed hard in the 90mins game with 4mins extra time, their shots at the post failed to yield any goal.

The MMKFC which beat Awka Angels by 1-0 score line, went home with prize money of N250, 000, cup and medals. Awka Angels took home the sum of N150, 000.

The men’s category saw Nnewi Utd, a second tier domestic league side; overcome all odds from an amateur side, Peace FC, to win 1-0.

This marks Fancy Ewulu side’s first win of the title having been previously eclipsed by (now defunct) FC Ifeanyi Ubah.

The Anaedo Lions won the tournament’s star prize of N2m, leaving Peace FC with N1m runners-up prize.

The two finalists would represent Anambra State in the NFF/Aiteo competition for men while Maureen Mmadu Kiddies Football Club would hoist the state’s flag in the women edition of the NFF/Aiteo Cup.

Speaking with journalists after the game, Mmadu, a former Falcon star player, expressed delight that her girls lifted the trophy, saying that it was an evidence of hard work paying off.

She said that though the road has been rough and tough, that the winning prize will serve as a motivation to the girls.

“With this win, I'm encouraged to continue working hard and push. It has not been an easy road getting to this point, but I thank God for this victory today. It shows the girls are picking whatever they are being taught. I am proud of them.

“Our opponents put up a good fight. For any team to get to the finals of any competition, it shows that they are a good breed. However, I am satisfied with the way my girls played. I am encouraged and I will continue to motivate them,” Mmadu stated