Aba South Local Government Area of Abia State has emerged champions of the maiden Abia Soccer Fest after defeating Ukwa West Local Government Area 2-1 on penalties in the final played on Wednesday in Aba.

The match, played at the Enyimba International Stadium, ended 1-1 in regulation time before Aba South triumphed in the penalty shootout.

Favour Ogwo gave Aba South the lead in the 20th minute, while Christian Chiemezie equalised for Ukwa West in the 82nd minute.

Speaking after the match, Abia State Deputy Governor, Ikechukwu Emetu, commended the organisers for staging a successful competition.

Mr Emetu reiterated the state government’s commitment to sports development and praised the participating teams for their performances.

“Though a winner had to emerge today, all the 17 local government teams that participated are champions for making the Soccer Fest a success,” he said.

Also speaking, the state Director of Sports, Obioma George, said the final lived up to expectations as both teams displayed impressive football.

“The final was decided on penalties, and that can go either way, but Aba South turned out to be the lucky side,” he said.

Mr George advised the other local government teams to prepare adequately for the next edition of the competition.

He expressed confidence that some players discovered during the tournament had the potential to play in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

“The players performed beyond the level of grassroots footballers and this Soccer Fest has exposed them to higher opportunities,” he said.

(NAN)