Grand finale of 2024/2025 Edition of the Onuimo LGA Unity Football Tournament sponsored by Hon. Chief James Uba (fresh air) the member representing Onuimo state constituency at Imo State House of Assembly came up on 7th January 2025 in grandstyle with a lot of ceremonies.
The finals which took place at Umuna Central School Field between Okwelle and UmuduruEgbeaguru towns entertained the mammoth spectators including the head coach and technical manager of Heartland FC, Mr. Emmanuel Amuneke, the executive chairman of Onuimo, Dr. Emeka Obi , his deputy, Hon. Kelechi Ibegbu among others from within and outside Onuimo.
Investigation revealed that the football tournament kicked off on the 22nd of December 2024 with four major towns in Onuimo namely; Okwe, Umuna, UmuduruEgbeaguru and Okwelle competing actively from a group stages for the 4th, 3rd, 2nd and 1st places.
The finals ended in 3:2 in favour of Okwelle town with UmuduruEgbeaguru coming second, Umuna and Okwe coming third and fourth positions respectively.
Speaking earlier, the head coach of Heartland FC, Mr. Emmanuel Amuneke commended the sponsor for putting up such people oriented tournament which he said signified his love for his people urging the people to continue to support the law maker. While tasking the players on displaying their talents he assured that only best players would be picked to play in heartland FC.
In his speech , the sponsor , Hon Uba James Esile the law maker representing Onuimo state constituency urged the players to look beyond the fun and the immediate financial gains attached to the trophy rather see the tournament as an opportunity to showcase their God given talents for football career developments and opportunities disclosing that the head coach of Heartland FC Mr Emmanuel Amuneke was present to shop for the best players from the tournament.
The law maker noted with the tournament he has fulfilled his campaign promises of human capital development just as he is doing in education sector annually. He commended the planning committee and the executive chairman Onuimo LGA Hon. Dr. Emeka Obi for a very peaceful and secured atmosphere in the area.
Highlights of the event were handing of trophy to the champions Okwelle and picking of three onuimo players to report Heartland Camp for training. Other highlights were awards giving to the best goalkeeper, highest goal scorer and best players of the tournament.
