Nigeria Content Online

The
final showdown between Okrika and Obio Apkor on who gets to carry the
River State Governor’s Cup home will be held on the lush turf of the
Liberation Stadium of Port Harcourt on Saturday. The tournament, which
kicked off on January 20, has seen the two teams, now in the final,
entertain with football skill that is superior to the other 17 teams
that entered for the competition. The newcomers, Obio Apkor, were able
to surprise all with their convincing thrashing of different clubs that
had been tipped to go far. Okrika were last year’s winners and they
have not hidden their interest in retaining the title.

“We are the
defending champions and champions we will remain. We are more resolved
than ever to win the title for the second time,” said midfielder
Obomate Frederick.

On hand to watch
the lads strut their stuff, will be former Nigerian players and other
top dignitaries from the corporate world. They include Segun Odegbami
and Henry Nwosu, former Green Eagles captains. Others include Adokiye
Amesiamaka and John Fashanu. Mutiu Sunmonu, Tony Attah and Emeka Obi
who will also be there to represent the sponsor, Shell Development
Petroleum Company, while the government of Rivers State will be
represented by the governor of the state, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, and
members of his cabinet.

Also due for the final is the chairman, Rivers State Football
Association, Chris Green, who is also chairman of the Nigeria Football
Federation (NFF) technical committee. Okrika was able to get the final
ticket by ousting last year’s third place finisher Khana 2-1 while Obio
Apkor had the upper hand over Phalga in an encounter that ended 2-1.
Both teams would be meeting each other for the first time in this
tournament. The Rivers State Governor’s Cup offers thousands of
talented footballers in the 23 local government areas of the state an
opportunity to showcase their skills to the big leagues in the land.