By Brenda Chidinma Imo-Eze
The much-talked-about ₦100 million Enviable Football League has officially begun in Ebonyi State, and it started with excitement, drama, and a surprise result as Ohaukwu Local Government Area lost 1–0 to Ebonyi LGA in the opening match.
The opening ceremony, held at the Ohaukwu LGA headquarters pitch in Ezzamgbo, came with colourful match-past displays and cultural performances that made the event look like a mini World Cup.
Representing the Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru, the Chairman of Ohaukwu LGA, Hon. Ikechukwu Odono, praised the sponsor of the tournament, Mr. Ituma Chukwuemeka (Enviable). He described the project as a big boost to youth development and encouraged other successful citizens to support sports and other empowerment programmes in the state.
Also speaking, the Deputy Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chinedu Ogba Onah, thanked the sponsor for putting such a huge amount into football. He called on the organisers and officials to follow FIFA rules to ensure a fair and well-managed competition.
In his address, Mr. Ituma Chukwuemeka, who is the CEO of Enviable Group of Companies, said he started the competition to help discover talented footballers who can represent Ebonyi State and Nigeria on the world stage. He revealed plans to sponsor the best ten players abroad for further training and exposure.
He added that he has no favourite team in the tournament and wants the competition to be free, fair, and decided only by talent and hard work.
The tournament will reward the overall winners with ₦30 million, runners-up with ₦20 million, third place with ₦10 million, while all other participating teams will receive ₦2 million each.
Teams from all 13 LGAs in the state are taking part, and fans are already looking forward to more thrilling matches.