By CHRISTIAN OGBONNA

No fewer than 37 community football teams in Ezza, Ebonyi State, have registered for a Football tournament tagged, “Ezza Ezekuna Unity Cup.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the competition which started on Dec. 27 is expected to end on Jan 7.

Mr. Darlington Uguta, Organiser and Sponsor of the tournament, said during the official opening on Sunday in Onueke, Ezza South Local Government Area of Ebonyi, that it was organised to unearth grassroots football talents.

Uguta, a philanthropist said that the game was also organised to engage the youths in constructive activities and support youths empowerment policies of the federal and state governments.

“It will serve as a scouting platform to identify promising athletes while diverting youths from social vices.

“This Unity Cup is to engage youths, promote peace, and develop future stars.

“We want to change the narrative. We want to raise local players from the streets to help them improve their playing styles, their thinking and approach to the game,” he added.

Mr. Ifeanyi Nworie, Chairman, Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the competition, said the competition would feature players of under-13 and under-22 categories.

“We have a total of 37 community teams from the 36 communities of Ezza land.

“This is simply to identify talents that can be harnessed to international standard. This is to create avenue that fosters more peace among our people.

“We have hope that the discovered talents will be fully harnessed and utilised.

“On prizes set for the tournament, we have been careful about that but the best players and teams will be rewarded handsomely,” Nworie stated.

Mrs. Euphemia Nwali, Executive Chairman of Ezza-South Local Government Area, described the initiative as “welcome development” in an effort to engage the youths meaningfully and check restiveness.

Nwali charged the young players to take advantage of the moment to showcase their skills.

She therefore commended the organiser, Uguta, and pledged the council’s support to youths’ development.

NAN reports that the tournament was officially declared open by the Catholic Bishop of Abakaliki Diocese, Rev. Fr. Peter Chukwu.

The tournament’s opening match between Isinkwo and Abomege football club ended 3–3 after an intense contest.

Super Star, Oriuzor, Ezza-Ntezi, Ezza-Oka, Ogaja-Ezagu, Oshegbe, and Glory, are some of the other participating teams. (NAN)