December 02, (THEWILL) – The maiden edition of the Osomkime Blankson Unity Cup (Epie Clan), kicked off with the tournament host, Barr. Osomkime Blankson and other dignitaries are in attendance at Edepie Primary School Field, Yenagoa, Bayelsa state capital.
In the well-attended opening to herald the tournament saw Opolo community triumph 3-1 against Biogbolo to make a clear statement of intent in the tournament.
Osomkime Blankson, in a remark, said the competition has no political undertone other than to unite the Epie/Atissa clan and also discover hidden talents amongst communities in the clan.
He emphasised that football as a sport is a vehicle that unites nations and communities, stating that the tournament would rekindle camaraderie amongst the Epie/Attisa people and beyond.
According to him, the winner of the tourney will smile home with one million naira, the second will receive seven hundred thousand naira, while the third position will get five hundred thousand naira, urging the players to be professional.
Also, Tournament Technical Adviser, Ada Gwegwe, noted that the essence of the showpiece was to foster unity within the Epie/Atissa clan, describing the initiative as laudable.
He appreciated the participating communities and all the dignitaries particularly the host, Barr. Osomkime Blankson for conceiving the vision of unity for the Epie/Attisa clan, pointing out that the gesture has further portrayed his love for sports development.
Present at the ceremony were HRH Shadrach Etivie, Paramount ruler of the Edepie community, who doubles as the royal father of the day, Mr Ebiki Timitimi, the immediate past Chairman of Bayelsa United, Blacky Obua, Team Manager, Bayelsa United Feeders, Apostle Bodmas Kemepadei, Opus Opukeme, amongst others.
Hostility will return on Monday, as Akenfa FC takes on Ekeki at 2 pm, Igbogene will lock horns with Edepie FC by 4 pm, at the Biogbolo/ Yenizugene Secondary school pitch.
Speaking to journalists at the end of the match, Hon Osmkime Blankson said he was impressed with the level of officiating and performance of the players, adding that with what he saw talents would be discovered and produced to play football at National and international levels, urging them not to relent as he is poised to encourage and support and sustain the tournament.
He also used the opportunity to advise youth to avoid crime and criminality, as football worldwide has become a source of employment and livelihood.
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
