Prof. Mmadubuko's Maiden Edition of Beach Football Tournament Kicks-off in Nnewi

From Mokwugwo Solomon, Awka


Beach football tournament, first of its kind in the Southeast, Nigeria, has kicked-off at the popular Moonshine Residence, a hospitality home in Nnewi, Nnewi North local government area of Anambra state.

The championship, organized by a versity Don, top notch businessman, and human resources consultant, Prof. Victor Mmadubuko, kicked-off on Sunday, May 21, at the beach court built in the premises of Moonshine Residence, situated at Uru-Umudim, behind Ezeudoka Eatery, Madubuko Street, Nnewi, Anambra state.

Eight teams are participating in the tournament, including Innoson, Gabros, Chicason Afro-Asia, Moniepoint, OTC, Moonshine, Cutix plc and Tummy Tummy.

Speaking during the opening ceremony of the tournament, the Project Director of Moonshine Residence, Mr. Ralph Emeka, explained that each of the 8 teams will play 3 games before proceeding to the final stages. According to him, the winning team will go home with a trophy, and one hundred thousand naira; while others will get consolation prizes of different categories.

He said that there will be awards for the highest goal scorer, most behaved team, most valuable player, among other prizes.

Explaining the nature of beach football, Emeka, an ex-Rangers International footballer, said, "It is a type of football played at the beach, where they have much sand, but Moonshine brings the beach in the residence at a very high cost to serve its customers, and the neighborhood. The tournament is a fusion of beach and regular football.

"Three persons play per time in each side. The rule of the game is different, as there is no penalty, no throw-in, no corner-kick, and so on."

The Operations Manager of Moonshine Residence, Mrs Offodile Chidimma, explained that the tournament would last for one month, and will be played Saturdays and Sundays. She added that the beach is brought to the residence to serve as recreational facility for customers who patronize the facility; as well as people who live within the neighborhood.

A former Commissioner for Sports in Anambra state, Dr. Emmanuel Nsoedo, said that the beach football facility will add to the quality of life of people using it; as well as people living in Nnewi and its environs.

Crown Prince of Nnewi kingdom, Prince Obi Orizu, said that the sports facility is the first of its kind in the area, adding that it will serve as tourist attraction to the industrial city.

He said, "This innovation is first of its kind in Nnewi. It will go along way to improve sports in Nnewi and beyond. It will help in solving societal problems associated with idleness and inactivity."

Former Deputy Speaker of the Anambra state House of Assembly, Hon. Chukwudi Orizu, commended Prof. Mmadubuko for coming up with the initiative of introducing beach football in Nnewi.

Orizu, also a former chairman of Nnewi North local government area, expressed hope that the initiative will encourage other business owners to repatriate part of their businesses home. He also urged government at all levels to show maximum interest in sports.

The opening match played between Innoson and Chicason Afro-Asia teams ended 7:3 in favour of Innoson; while the second match played later in the day between OTC and Moniepoint teams ended 14:4 in favour of OTC. Next leg of the game will come up on Saturday, May 27.