United Football Club of Ikpah, Mbatierev, Gboko has lifted the maiden edition of Hon. James Kachina Unity Cup by defeating Golden Boys of Ishuwa two goals to nil (2 – 0).

Playing at the LGEA primary School pitch at Ukpah, Mbatierev, both teams left no one in doubt of their determination to lift the trophy. The good football artistry exhibited by both teams kept spectators at the edge of their seats.

However, in the 15th minute, a shot at goal by Tier United was deflected for a corner kick; the resultant kicked was converted for goal by number 8 shirted Agee for Tier United for the first goal of the match.

Thereafter, it became a dingdong affair as the wounded Golden Boys mounted enormous pressure to equalise but the resilience of the defence wall of Tier United and agility of their keeper soaked the pressure till the center referee signalled for end of first half.

On resumption of hostilities in the second half, the rejuvenated Golden Boys team came out stronger with quick interchange of passes and well coordinated attack resulting to several free kick on the edge of the 18 – yard box but failed to convert their chances. 

A second goal for Tier United through Godfrey (6) in the 70th minute put the game beyond the reach of Golden Boys of Ishuwa as Tier United held unto the result till the center referee blew the final whistle to end the match.

Tier United went home with the giant trophy, a pair of jersey and thirty thousand naira cash while the runners – up, Golden Boys of Ishuwa got a pair of jersey and twenty thousand naira. The third placed team , Ikpah New Market Fc went home with a pair of jersey, ten thousand naira and a ball.

Several individual awards were given to outstanding players of the tournament.

In a post match interview with newsmen, the donor of the cup, Hon. James Kachina who is also the Chairman, Gboko Local Government Council expressed satisfaction with the standard of play and promised to make the competition a yearly affair and called on the Chairman of Flight Football Club, Gboko to pick outstanding players of the competition and incorporate them in his team.

Earlier, the chairman of the organising committee, Ataki Poo had made case for enhancement of grassroot football as well as fencing of LGEA Ikpah football field to make it a revenue yielding venture among several other demands.

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