By Sedara Oluwadara
Dona Stars of Abia State has won their first fixture of the NDDC U17 Peace Cup after defeating Kifa FC of Ondo, two goals to one in the opening game of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC U17 Peace Cup competition, organised by Grassroot Sports Federation of Nigeria, GRASOF
The tournament which kicked off today at the Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi Uku at 1pm, saw Christian Sunday scoring the earliest goal so far, finding the back of the net in the 4th minute, but the resilient Ondo side levelled up seven minutes later through winger, Sowade Daniel, before Chinemerem Eze scored in the 17th minute, in what later became the winning goal.
The curtain raiser will be followed by the opening ceremony at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, which is expected to witness the presence of top officials of the NDDC, the Niger Delta Ministry, Ex Internationals and football stakeholders, after which the second game between Ine Stars of Ondo State and Delta United of Delta State will take place at 3pm, at same venue.
The screening of players have been concluded with several players axed out of the tournament due to over age, and as a result, have reduced the number of supposed registered players to execute their games.
The screening was followed by the draws, where Diamond Stars of Cross River, Campus FC of Imo, New Evangel of Bayelsa and Caravans Football Academy of Akwa Ibom will battle for the two top spot from Group A1, as El-Godz FC of Abia, Excellent Academy of Edo, Genesis FC of Rivers and Delta Force of Delta will battle in Group A2.
In Group B1, Kifa FC of Ondo, One Stars of Edo, Dona Stars of Abia, Delta United of Delta and Progress FC of Rivers will be trade tackles, while Dynamic SPMD of Akwa Ibom, Ever Bright FC of Imo, Safe Side FC off Cross River and Future Dynamics of Bayelsa State, will battle in Group B2.
The finals is slated for the 18th of December, 2022, at the famous Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba
