Nikwab Stars wins juvenile gala in Oblogo

Oblogo (G/A), April 4, GNA - Nikwab Stars F/C, an Under 17 football club based at Oblogo, Accra made history when they emerged winners after beating River Boyz F/C, a division two club, 5-3 through penalties in the finals of the Nii Kwaku Bibini III gala tournament played at Oblogo on Sunday.

They received a giant trophy and 2,000 dollars for their effort. The full time scores were goalless.

River Boyz who placed second recieved 1,500 dollars while Akwatia Deelorm Royals, a division one club came third when they beat Mallam Professionals F/C, a division two club 3-1 through penalties to take home 1,000 dollars.

Mallam Professionals who placed fourth received 500 dollars. In the first match on Saturday, Nikwab's displayed excellent skills to beat Mallam Professionals F/C 2-0 with enterprising Michael Armah scoring the first for his side in the 39th minute.

Nikwab's head striker, Ishmael Adams scored the second goal in the 50th minutes to seal the day for their efforts.

The second match also saw River Boyz beating Akwatia Deelorm Royals 2-0 through goals scored by Daniel Addo and F.M. Neequaye. On Sunday, Akwatia Deelorm Royals clinched the third place when they beat Mallam Professionals F/C 3-1 through penalties after a goalless game.

Addressing the participating teams and officials, Mr Edward Nii Ankrah, Secretary of the Regional Football Association (RFA), suggested the establishment of a special fund to assist the lower clubs and urged encouraged the team officials to train more talents for the nation. Nii Armah advised the National Sports Council to put more resources in the organisation of the youth as a measure of tapping their talents instead of relying only on players from Premier divisions to play for the national teams.

Nii Kwaku Bibini III, the chief of Oblogo, the organiser of the tournament said he has decided to make the competition more attractive with the donation of dollars and a giant trophy at stake to encourage the teams to give of their best to unearth football talents. He pledged his unflinching support for Ghana soccer and called for assistance from National Sports Council.