Abia Comets finish as runners-up, as Kun Khalifat FC Crowned champions of Abia Governor's NALCOMA Pre Season Tournament

Posted : 09 November 2024

Abia Comets Football Club of Umuahia has emerged as the runners-up of the inaugural Abia State Governor's NALCOMA Pre-Season Tournament, which was held at the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba.

The tournament, which featured six teams from the South-East region, provided plenty of excitement, culminating in a thrilling final. Comets were unable to secure the championship after losing 4-3 in a penalty shootout to the Owerri-based Kun Khalifat FC, with the regulation time ending in a 1-1 draw.

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It was a surprising turn of events, as the newly promoted NNL team, Kun Khalifat FC, took the lead in the 67th minute through a strike by Samuel Awurum.

However, Abia Comets equalized 1-1 with a late strike from defender Bright Ogbonna, forcing the match to be decided by penalties.

In the penalty shootout, Abia Comets FC converted three out of their five penalties, while Kun Khalifat FC converted four and were crowned champions.

Speaking shortly after the game, head coach Okechukwu Ejeh expressed disappointment over the outcome but stated that the team would be ready for their first game of the season away at Edel FC early next month.

"We're really disappointed not to win the trophy, but it was a difficult game, and there are some things we failed to do better," Ejeh said.

"However, we still have three weeks to prepare better for our first game of the season. I believe the team will be ready for the game against Edel FC."

At the conclusion of the tournament, George Aluo, Chairman of the Nigeria National League (NNL), commended Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti for his unwavering support of youth sports.

He encouraged the teams to fully take advantage of the opportunity provided by the tournament to refine their squads ahead of the upcoming league season, which is set to begin on November 30.

The Chairman of NALCOMA, Boniface Alozie Uche, a representative on the NNL Board, also praised Governor Otti for his commitment to the development of youth football.

He expressed optimism that the teams would greatly benefit from the tournament, which would help them make the necessary adjustments before the commencement of the 2024/25 NNL season.

The four-day tournament saw participation from six teams: Abia Comets FC (Umuahia), Kun Khalifat FC (Owerri), Edel FC (Awka), Solution FC (Awka), Diamond FA (Umuahia), and Uchecaria FC (Aba).

Abia Comets will now turn its focus to continued preparations ahead of the new season, with their first game away at Awka against Edel FC, in a Southern Conference Group A encounter on December 7.

Abia Comets finish as runners-up, as Kun Khalifat FC Crowned champions of Abia Governor's NALCOMA Pre Season Tournament

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