Okongwu Memorial Grammar School, Vision High School, Wins The 3rd Edition Of All Secondary School Championship
By Marvelous Ezenwa
The 3rd edition of the All Secondary School Championship reached its climax in a dazzling event held at Nnewi High School on Saturday, March 30th, 2024. Dignitaries graced the event, including school principals, the Chairman of Nnewi North APGA, and the Director of Sports at Post Primary School Sports. The Transition Chairman of Nnewi North, Hon. Chris Obiorah, commended the organizers and pledged continued support for their initiatives, emphasizing the importance of nurturing sporting talent among youth.
The competition witnessed three gripping matches, culminating in an electrifying final showdown. In the male’s third-place match, the defending champions, Nigeria Science and Technical College Nnewi, suffered a heart-wrenching defeat, losing 10-11 on penalties to Government Technical College Ichi after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
The highlight of the event came with Vision High School’s triumph over Anglican Girls, securing a 2-1 victory and clinching the coveted trophy. Mmesoma Mmasinachi, hailed as the hero of the match, sealed the win with a stunning free kick, earning her the prestigious title of Man of the Match. In a post-match interview, Mmasinachi expressed her elation and expressed her aspirations to pursue a career in football should the opportunity arise.
Addressing sports writers, the main organizers, Excellence Stir limited, Mr. Obichendu Chidiebere, expressed his profound joy and fulfillment at witnessing the grand finale of the championship. He extended his gratitude to the partners whose support contributed to the success of the event. Despite encountering challenges in assembling schools for the championship, Chidiebere commended the participating schools and their principals for their belief in the vision. He called upon government bodies, private individuals, and sports enthusiasts in Nnewi and Anambra to rally behind the initiative and ensure its continued growth and success.
According to Okwudili Emmanuel, the secretary of the All Secondary School Championships, expressed satisfaction with this year’s edition and pledged an even better experience for the next year. He revealed plans to diversify the championship beyond football, including athletics, indoor sports, tennis, among others. This move aims to provide broader opportunities for student athletes to showcase their talents and foster holistic development.
While scholarships are not currently in the plans, Hon. Obiorah expressed openness to exploring such opportunities in the future. The championship rewarded excellence, with winners in both categories receiving a cash prize of 150,000, a towering trophy, while the runners-up and third-place teams received 100,000 and 80,000 respectively. As the curtains draw on another successful edition, the organizers, participants, and supporters alike look forward to the continued growth and impact of the All Secondary School Championship in shaping the future of sports in the region.
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