Yenizue- Gene Wins Barr..Osomkime Blankson Football Tourney
By Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa, Trek Africa Newspaper
Yenizue-Gene Community in Yenagoa Local government area of Bayelsa State have emerged champions of the maiden edition of the Barr.Osomkime Blankson Unity soccer tournament in Epie Clan.
They out scored Akenfa Community by 10 goals to 9 in a penalty shoot out after a pulsating barren draw at regulation time.
Our correspondent reports that the final match of the tournament played at the Opolo Community field, Yenagoa, was organized by Hon.Osomkime Blankson for 17 communities in Epie Clan in Yenagoa Local government area of Bayelsa State.
Speaking at the end of the match, the sponsor of the tournament, Barr.Osomkime Blankson described football as one of the most unifying factors in the Country.
Barr. Osomkime stated that the tournament aims to promote peace and Unity among Youths in the clan as a platform to discover hidden soccer talents.
According to him “Football is the only thing that unite our people, when it comes to the game of football, it is devoid of enemity or whatever. I feel that at this time, it is good for our people to come together and play football that will cement the bond of unity.
“You know times are hard, and when matches are being played, people go to the viewing centers to watch, you don’t care for who is there, as long as same interest persist.
“Like Ede-Epie and Biogbolo Community were not doing things together, because of some issues. But for the purpose this tournament,Ede- Epie went to Biogbolo community and played, it is a unifying factor.That is the primary idea behind this soccer tournament.
“It’s not by my power, we will sustain it, raw talents are discovered, that’s make me happy, by sustaining it will provide opportunities for more persons to showcase their talents discovered.That is one of the most motivating factor.For now, I need to start from Yenagoa Local Government Area before extending to other local governments,”.
However, one player was picked from the teams in the final by scouts at the venue.
Yenizue-Gene football club were awarded a trophy and One Million Naira for the victory, second place Akenfa Community received Seven Hundred Thousand Naira, third place team, Ede-Epie Community went home with Five Hundred Thousand Naira.
The final of the Hon.Osomkime Blankson football tournament had in attendance, Senator Paulker Emmanuel, His Royal Highness.Eniya Moneyman, Ogborigbo XII, Obenaken of Opolo Community, Former Chairman of Bayelsa United Football Club, Mr. Ebiki Timitimi, community leaders , Youth Presidents of Epie Clan among others
