Young footballers advised to combine sports, education as Championship begins in Akwa Ibom

The 2024 Obong Isong Isang Memorial Academies Championship kicked off on November 2 at Uyo Township Stadium with a thrilling match that highlighted not only the talents on the pitch but also the importance of education for young athletes.

Organized by the Akwa Ibom State Football Association, the tournament honors the late Obong Isong Isang and aims to inspire a balance between sports and academics in developing players.

In a hard-fought opening game, Immortality FC narrowly defeated NNS Jubilee Academy 6-5 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw, advancing to the next round in the competition, which includes nineteen academies, and runs until November 9. Despite the intense competition, the focus quickly turned to Lady Barrister Ime Isang, wife of the late Obong Isong Isang, whose message underscored the value of education alongside football.

Speaking at the event, Lady Ime Isang encouraged young players to pursue their academic goals as earnestly as their athletic dreams. “I want to thank the Akwa Ibom State Football Association for deeming it fit to title this championship in memory of my husband, Late Obong Isong Isang,” she said. “My husband started playing football at a very early age. I am happy that this competition is for the young ones, and I want to encourage club owners, stakeholders, and football enthusiasts to support them in pursuing both education and sports.”

Lady Ime emphasized that her late husband’s legacy demonstrates that success in sports does not preclude professional achievement in other fields. She reflected on how he excelled as both a pharmacist and a footballer, a balance she hopes young players today can achieve: “The fact that they are playing does not mean they cannot excel academically or professionally. My husband was a pharmacist and reached the peak of his profession while also being a footballer. So I want to encourage parents and young players that they can do both and excel.”

The opening match was a close contest, with Immortality FC’s Ekemini Michael scoring in the 10th minute, only for NNS Jubilee Academy’s Agbaka Edu to equalize in the 60th. Immortality FC ultimately emerged victorious in the shootout, with Coach Ubong James expressing gratitude to the Akwa Ibom FA for the tournament and the opportunity to honor Obong Isong Isang.