Omiete Joseph
The annual football tournament for the host communities of Oil Mining Lease (OML58) in Rivers State, has ended, with Odiemerenyi FC clinching the 2024 trophy with 4 goals against Oboburu that scored 3 goals.
The Odiemerenyi team clinched the gold cup in a penalty at about 5:06pm after the teams drew 2-2 in full time match, held at Okeh Memorial Comprehensive Secondary School, Elele-Okinali in Ikwerre LGA of the State.
Erema team took 3rd position decorated with bronze medal, while Oboburu team which clinched the 2nd position got the silver medals.
The 21st tournament organised by TotalEnergies (EP) Nigeria Limited in partnership with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited Limited (NNPCL), is part of the Joint Venture measures to promote inclusiveness and foster harmonious relationship among youths in the host communities.
In this year competition, 18 communinites participated in the competition, which includes; Akabta, Akabuka, Amah, Ede, Egita, Elele-Alimini, Elele-Okinali, Erema, Eyekele, Ibewa and Idu.
Other communities were Ihuaje, Obagi, Obite, Obiyebe, Oboburu, Odiemerenyi, Ogbugu, Rumuekpe, Ubarama, Ubeta and Ubio.
At the end of the group stage, the competition recorded 63 goals, 80 yellow cards and 2 red cards. Ubio and Ubarama exited the group stage without scoring a single goal, while five teams also exited the group stage without a single point.
Idu FC is the only team that progressed to the quarter finals without conceding a single goal, though have the most cautions of six yellow cards.
Egita took no further part in the competition after becoming guilty of using non indigene in their 1st group G encounter against Ede which was played on November 13, 2024 at Obite. As a result, all matches involving Egita were suspended in line with the rules and regulations of the competition.
At the end of the match, three best players were selected from 10 earlier chosen for football academy in Europe, fully sponsored by TotalEnergies. They are 19 year-old Epelle Samuel (Defensive Midfielder – Eyekele FC),
Timothy Maxwell, 19 (Elele Alimini – Attacker) and Okarike Israel, 17 (Oboburu – Defender).
In his remarks, the Deputy Managing Director, JV Asset, Mr Olivier Cassassoles said the event is a testament to the company’s enduring commitment to the vibrant youths of their host OML58 communities.
Represented by Henry Ehuike, Manager, Stakeholders Engagement, Strategy and Management, Community Affairs, TotalEnergies, Port Harcourt, Cassassoles said the tournament is a unique investment in the future of the host communities.
He said despite the full implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), the firm has continued in its tradition of empowerments and development in host communities of OML58.
He assured that ‘We will sponsor three of the best young football talents identified in this tournament to attend a top football academy. There, they will develop their skills to compete globally while also pursuing their education”.
Cassassoles however, commended all the teams for their fair play, resilience and impressive soccer skills, saying “It has been a fair competition with no serious injuries, thanks to the diligent work of the Technical Organising Committee”.