Government Army Secondary School, Elele, has emerged as the Champions in Rivers State in the just concluded grassroots stage of the COPA Coca-Cola tournament. The team, which is making its debut appearance in the competition, qualifies for the next round of the regional tournament.
The 32 qualified across the states move on to the regional stage to represent each state of the federation.
The competition which had over 70 secondary schools across Rivers State participating with a display of so much talents and skills from the young footballers saw Government Army Secondary School, defeating Okrika National Secondary School by a lone goal in a keenly competed final played at the football pitch of the State Secondary School, Amadi-Ama in Port Harcourt.
In the fiercely competed third place match which took place earlier between Enitonna High School, Borikiri and Western County High School, Ahoada, saw the former emerging as the winner from a first half goal.
The final, which however attracted more robust participation with larger spectators within the venue, saw a superb header from Government Army Secondary School top striker, Clifford Maxwell, who ensured the thrilling finale would see the school emerging as the state champions.
Speaking after the final match, the Permanent Secretary, Universal Basic Education, Rivers State, Dame Josephine Chukwuigwe expressed satisfaction with the level of the tournament as well as the passion displayed by the teams in Rivers.
Chukwuigwe said, “With the high level of performance shown by all the participating teams, one might find it difficult to believe this is just the preliminaries stage. After today’s final, we are very proud and confident of our young footballers in Rivers state and I want to wish them best of luck at the next phase of the tournament.”
She further commended Coca-Cola for creating such platform for Secondary school students in the country.
Her words, “I am delighted to witness this great rewarding initiative and happy that the quality of football watched during the match was high and the better school of the two finalists won and deserved to represent the state at the national stage.”
