By Akeem Busari
The second edition of Ifeanyi Chiejiene memorial football cup ended on Sunday, with last year’s finalist Imo Strikers, winning the tournament, as the second-tier Nigeria Women Football League side defeated Giant Empress 6-1 in the final match played at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, Delta State.
Imo Strikers who left no one in doubt about their intentions from the start of the tournament, ran riot in the match with 16 years old Chidi Harmony, who interestingly dorned jersey number eight, same as the late Ifeanyi Chiejine scoring four goals in quick succession to take her tally in the tournament to 14 goals.
Chiamaka Damian and Oscar Precious added two more goals to take the winds of the sails of Giant Empress. Even as Ohuche Agnes’ goal was a mere consolation.
Earlier in the day, Fortress Ladies defeated Delta Babes 1-0 to win the third place game, as well as N200,000 prize money. While Imo Strikers and Giant Empress received N500,000 and N300,000 respectively.
Giant Empress goalkeeper Ijeoma Orji, was declared the best goal keeper of the tournament, while the duo of Imo Strikers red-hot Chidi Harmony and Oscar Precious received the honours as highest goal scorer and most valuable player respectively.
Speaking with journalists at the end of the final match, founder of Judith Chime Foundation, the organisers of the annual memorial football tournament, Judith Chime expressed her appreciation for the support and encouragement she received from friends and associates both in Nigeria and diaspora that made the tournament a success.
“On behalf of my foundation and members of the organising committee, I want to say a big thank you to everyone for your support, contributions and encouragement. You guys made it possible for us to hold another successful edition of this football tournament in loving memory of our late football legend, Ifeanyi Chiejiene.”
“I believe with more supports and collaborations, next year’s edition would be better and bigger, by the grace of God, ” Chime, a former Super Falcons goalkeeper added.
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