Ubong Shares VAT Wonder Goal Prize with Orphans

Fred Edoreh

Akwa United winger, Ubong Friday and Match-day 21 VAT Wonder Goal Award winner has spoken of his love for children while revealing that he would be sharing the proceeds of his award with the Children Development Centre in Uyo.

Ubong’s strike against ABS FC of Ilorin was adjudged the best goal of the match-day by online voters in a Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) poll and was presented the award on Wednesday by the Akwa Ibom and Cross River State FIRS Coordinator, Agu Bennet at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.

Elated by the recognition, Ubong said he had never won such an award in his career and was delighted that he was beginning to hit the limelight.

He said he will share the prize money of N150,000 with the Children Development Centre on IBB Boulevard in Uyo which his club and players have been channeling their charity gestures as part of their community relations.

“It is a great thing for me to win this award. I have never received an award like this in my playing career and I am happy that I am the one who has brought it to my club. It is great for me, my family, my teammates, the club and our fans and I am dedicating it to all of them because we are a family.

“I will share the proceeds with the Children Development Centre near our camp here in Uyo. That is the only charity I know and that is where we as a club and team mates have been visiting to give support from time to time.

“I love children and each time we go there, I remember when I was a child and my younger ones too. I feel very happy that I can personally bring something to them and I thank God for the opportunity. Many of us may have come from homes where our parents have the means to cater for us but when you consider the children at the centre, you are reminded that there are so many children among us who need support from members of the society to go through life. “

Ubong who has five goals so far on record this season believes he has just opened a floodgate for more recognition for Akwa United.

“I hope to keep scoring this season and I believe my team mates too will score such beautiful goals that will be so celebrated. I believe that Christian’s (Pyagbara) goal today will also win the Wonder Goal Award because it was something you can’t believe. I stood in awe of the effort, the gut and the delivery of that goal and I believe it will count as the best.”

Akwa United played Wikki Tourists in a rescheduled Match-day 23 NPFL game at their Nest of Champions ground in Uyo. United defeated the Bauchi team 2-0.

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