The much-anticipated final match of the Ignes Ogbonna Movement (IOM) Female Football Competition between Obinkita and Atani, originally scheduled for Sunday, September 15, 2024, has been postponed. The decision comes in light of the upcoming Ikeji Festival, a significant cultural event for the Arochukwu Kingdom.
In an official statement made available to Aro Okeigbo Blog, the organizers of the competition, led by Hon. Ifeanyi Elvis Ogbonna, announced that the final match has been rescheduled to allow the community to fully participate in the Ikeji Festival. The festival is a cherished tradition in Arochukwu, bringing together residents to celebrate unity, culture, and heritage.
The statement reads:
NOTICE ON FEMALE SOCCER COMPETITION
Update on the IGNEAS OGBONNA MOVEMENT (IOM) Arochukwu Female Football Competition
Dear esteemed people of Arochukwu,
We are pleased to provide an update on the ongoing IGNEAS OGBONNA MOVEMENT (IOM) Female Football Competition, which has brought much excitement and unity to our community.
As we prepare for the eagerly anticipated final football match, scheduled for this Sunday the 15th of September 2024, we must acknowledge the importance of our cultural heritage. In light of the significant Ikeji Festival of the Aro-Okeigbo Kingdom—a cherished tradition that unifies the people of Arochukwu Kingdom in celebration and our respect for our Kingdom, we have decided to postpone the final football match. This game, which will determine the champion between Atani Female Football Team and Obinkita Female Football Team, will be rescheduled to allow our community to fully participate in and enjoy the festival to the fullest.
We understand that many of you have been looking forward to this event, and we apologize for any inconvenience this rescheduling may have caused. This decision was made after consultations with the Youth Chairmen of Atani and Obinkita Villages, respectively, as well as other stakeholders. They are fully in agreement with this new development and extend their apologies for the sudden change. Please be rest assured, that all efforts are being put in place to reschedule the final football match at a more suitable time.
A new date for the final football match will be announced in due course, and we assure you, it will be worth the wait. We deeply appreciate your patience, understanding, and continued support of the IOM Female Football Competition. This tournament is not just about the matches but also about promoting unity, empowerment, and celebrating our collective identity.
Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to the success of this competition. We look forward to seeing you all at the rescheduled date of the final football match as will soon be announced.
Best regards,
Ahamefula Okereke Chioma
Director General
IGNEAS OGBONNA MOVEMENT (IOM)
The postponement, although unexpected, has been fully supported by both the Youth Chairmen of Atani and Obinkita, who agree that the festival should take precedence over the final match. The rescheduled date for the final, which will determine the champion between the two teams, will be communicated in due course.
The Ignes Ogbonna Movement Female Football Competition has been an exciting event that has brought joy, unity, and healthy competition to the Arochukwu community. The final match between Obinkita and Atani is highly anticipated, with both teams showing remarkable skill and determination throughout the tournament.
The community eagerly awaits the new date for the final, as the competition continues to foster sportsmanship and unity in Arochukwu. Stay tuned for further updates on the final match between Obinkita and Atani.
