Eleme LGA lifts SPDC Governor’s Cup

[Mirror]

Eleme Local Government Area on Friday emerged the champions of the 2013 Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) sponsored Rivers State Governor's Cup decided at the Liberation Stadium, Port Harcourt. The side defeated hard fighting 10-man Bonny LGA side 5-3 on penalties after full time score stood at 1-1 apiece in a thrilling encounter watched by a capacity crowd.

Notable Nigerian coaches like Christian Chukwu, Sharks coach, Gbenga Ogunbote and Monday Sinclair watched the match. Others include former Nigerian defender and coach of Abia Warriors, Emeka Ezeugo and Dolphins coach, Stanley Eguma, among others.

Tamuno Koko who was later sent off on accumulated yellow card offence scored Bonny's opening goal while Onwuka Ebube equalized for his side, ending the first half 1-1.

Earlier in the day, Khana LGA compounded the poor form of dethroned Cup holders, Okrika in the losers' game with 2-1 win. The captain of Eleme, Adams Sunday said he knew from the quarter-finals stage that his side will win their first title of the annual football showpiece.

"We started the title campaign not quite convincingly but after we survived the scare of Opobo/Nkoro in the quarterfinals it dawned on us that just a little more push would see us win our first title of the competition.

"I'm excited we won, I know also that everybody in Eleme will be happy right now. "Council workers were given a work free day to allow them come out en-masse to cheer us to victory and I'm happy we didn't disappoint them rather we made them proud with the victory," Sunday said.

Eleme goalkeeper, Oluka Eppie won the best goalkeeper award while Bonny's striker, Tamuno Koko emerged the highest goal scorer with four goals. Captain of Bonny, Israel Banigo, was declared the Most Valuable Player of the competition.