By Orkula Shaagee
The 8th edition of the annual Moses Orkuma Unity Cup came to a glittering end at the JS Tarka Stadium on Sunday, with Orkuma FC winning the trophy.
Orkuma FC triumphed 1–0 over resilient Saint Michael FC Ameladu, in a tightly contested final to lift the giant trophy before a jubilant crowd of soccer enthusiasts at the iconic JS Tarka Stadium.
It was a spectacle of football excitement at the venue as dignitaries and football fans gathered in their numbers for the grand finale of the annual soccer fiesta.
Among the high-profile personalities in attendance were the Chairman of Lobi Stars Football Club and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth, Sports and Creativity, Dr. Philip Nongu; Chairman of Vandeikya Local Government Council, Hon. Dennis Guda; and former Lobi Stars and Super Eagles striker, Anthony Okpotu.
Dr. Nongu, who took the ceremonial kickoff, lauded the tournament’s organisers, led by former Lobi Stars midfielder, Moses Orkuma, for their consistency and commitment to grassroots football development.
“I’m proud to be part of this historic tournament. Mr. Moses Orkuma and his team have done a tremendous job maintaining the quality and standard of this competition since its inception eight years ago,” Dr. Nongu stated.
He further expressed satisfaction with the exceptional talents discovered through the tournament, pledging to tap into the opportunity to reposition Lobi Stars for a strong comeback ahead of the next football season.
In recognition of his significant contribution to football development in Benue State, Dr. Nongu was honoured with an Award of Excellence.
Other notable attendees included Lobi Stars Board Member, Mr. Atoo Andiir; Team Manager, Mr. Lawrence Adoga; Mrs. Kunduniyol Dajo (wife of the Speaker, Benue State House of Assembly), and Mr. David Iorchihi, Bursar of Maryam Abacha University, Niger State.