By Aduragbemi Omiyale
Alagura Football Club has emerged as the winner of the 2023 Egbin Power Community Football Tournament designed to promote sports development in the country.
The winning team defeated Igbopa FC by two unreplied goals at the finals held at the Ipakan Community Stadium, Ikorodu, Lagos, going home with a N1 million cash prize, while the latter received N700,000 for its efforts.
To claim the third prize of N500,000, Sterling Boys Ipakan pummelled Oke-Eletu FC by 6 – 2.
The Head of Corporate Communication and Branding for Egbin Power Plc, Mr Felix Ofulue, explained that the football competition was created to positively engage the youth, boost sports development and further engender the spirit of camaraderie among people in the host communities.
According to him, the tournament creates a platform that allows young people to showcase their talents while also deepening unity among community members contributing to youth and community development, especially those within the Egbin, Ijede and Ipakan areas of Ikorodu.
“At Egbin Power Plc, we are committed to championing youth and community development in our host communities.
“What we have seen at this year’s edition of the competition was very impressive, with the huge turn-out of spectators, quality of talents featured and cooperation among the young people that formed the various teams.
“No doubt, the competition provided opportunities for them to bond and also to showcase their skills. And we are excited that the tournament recorded high success.
“We congratulate the winners and all the teams that participated thereby showing sportsmanship and making the competition very colourful.
“We believe that youths in these communities possess the abilities to realise their potential. At Egbin Power Plc we are excited to provide this platform for them to thrive,” Mr Ofulue noted.
On his part, Nigeria’s ex-international goalkeeper, Mr Peter Rufai, who was the special guest at the finals, commended Egbin Power Plc for instituting the competition as a way to develop the sport in the communities.
“Indeed, this programme by Ebin Power Plc is laudable. I am deeply honoured to be part of this initiative that is aimed at promoting youth and sports development in Nigeria.
“I commend the company and urge them to keep it up, as it offers bright hope for talents that we have seen in the competition,” the former shot-stopper said.
Also commenting, the Baale of Ipakan, Mr Mustapha Lasisi, applauded the power generating company (GenCo) for contributing to youth and sports development in the host communities.
“Through this second edition, the company has demonstrated its interest in promoting unity, growth and development of our communities.
“We are grateful for the success of this tournament and we urge the company to keep investing and promoting youth and sports development,” the traditional ruler said.
A total of 16 football clubs were drawn from different towns in the host communities featured in the 2023 edition.
Other football teams that took part in the competition were Egbin Diamond FC, Oko-Ope FC, Alannu-Omo FC, Egbin Classical FC, New Generation FC, Igbe-Ogunro FC, Ebute Olowo, Egbin Diamond FC, Abule-Eko FC, Ajeri Boys, Dragon Ipakan and Ajede FC.
Modupe Gbadeyanka 
Dipo Olowookere