By Brenda Chidinma Imo-Eze
Ndufu Alike football club has advanced to the final of the 2024 Chief Azubuike Nwudele (Zubidon) and Chief Azubuike Akam (GENEZA) sponsored Alike Ikwo LGA football competition.
The team secured their spot after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Echialike in the semifinal match. The first leg, held on December 22, 2024, at Onunwakpu Ndufu Alike, ended in a goalless draw. However, the return leg, played on December 27, witnessed a thrilling contest that culminated in a 6-5 penalty shootout in favor of Ndufu Alike.
Enyibichiri football club will join Ndufu Alike in the final after defeating Noyo football club. Enyibichiri clinched a 1-0 victory in the opening match on December 21 at Central Primary School, Idembia, and secured a 1-1 draw in the return leg on December 26 to progress.
For the third-place match, Noyo will take on Echialike on December 31 at Central Primary School, Idembia, at 10 am. The grand finale follows the same day at 3 pm, where Enyibichiri and Ndufu Alike will battle for the championship title.
The central planning committee has invited all stakeholders and sports enthusiasts in Ebonyi State to attend the final of the Alike Ikwo football tournament, which promises to be both entertaining and unifying.