Raffia City Starlets of Akwa Ibom State have emerged champions in the men’s category of the third edition of the Senate President’s U-18 Unity Football Competition, while Sir Monty Babes, also from Akwa Ibom, claimed the women’s title.

The week-long grassroots football tournament climaxed on Sunday at the Ikot Ekpene Township Stadium, with Raffia City Starlets defeating Anambra-based St. Patrick’s FC 6-5 on penalties after a thrilling final ended 1-1 in regulation time.

Both teams demonstrated impressive quality and determination, creating opportunities as they battled for the championship.

St. Patrick’s FC took the lead early in the second half through midfielder Chukwuemeka Prince, whose well-directed effort put the Anambra side in front.

With St. Patrick’s seemingly on course to lift the trophy, Raffia City Starlets mounted sustained pressure and found an equaliser in the closing minutes. Etinyene Daniel rose to head home from close range, sending their supporters into celebration and forcing the contest into a penalty shootout.

Raffia City Starlets held their nerve to win the shootout 6-5 and secure the men’s championship.

In the women’s category, Sir Monty Babes maintained their unbeaten run throughout the competition, defeating Flon Queens Academy of Cross River State 1-0 in the final. Favour Enodumwenben scored the decisive goal to seal the title for the Akwa Ibom-based side.

Speaking after the competition, National President of the Grassroots Sports Federation (GRASOF) and Tournament Coordinator, Hon. John Bassey Ekpeyoung, disclosed that several promising players had been identified during the tournament.

He said plans were underway to organise programmes in the coming weeks to camp and train the selected players before presenting them to local and international scouts for further opportunities.

Chairman of the Main Organising Committee (MOC), Dr Mike Uyi, commended the participating teams for their professionalism and discipline throughout the competition. He also expressed optimism that many of the players would develop into outstanding footballers in the coming years.

Tournament Ambassador and former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) General Secretary, Mr Fanny Amun, emphasised the importance of organising more grassroots competitions to discover and expose hidden talents across the country.

The final attracted several former internationals and football personalities, including Andrew Uwe, Akaradut Orok and former national team coach Patrick Udoh, among others.

A total of 24 teams participated in the tournament, comprising 18 male and six female sides from different states across Nigeria.

With the third edition successfully concluded in Ikot Ekpene, attention will now turn to next year’s fourth edition as organisers continue their efforts to provide a platform for young football talents across the country.