29/12/2025
Prince Ukeme Ukpong Unity Cup: Sports Commissioner Hails Sponsor for Consistency as Nsit Ikpe Win 12th Edition
The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, has praised Prince Ukeme Ukpong for his consistency in sponsoring the Prince Ukeme Ukpong Unity Cup for twelve consecutive years.
Elder Bassey made the remarks on Sunday, 28 December 2025, while speaking as the Special Guest of Honour at the grand finale of the 12th edition of the tournament, held at Comprehensive High School, Ikpe Mbak Eyop, in Obot Akara Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
In the final match, Nsit Ikpe defeated 2024 champions Ikpe Mbak Eyop 5–4 on penalties after a goalless draw in regulation time to win a record-equalling fifth title in the competition.
Before the final, the Sports Commissioner performed the ceremonial kick-off alongside the Member representing Ikot Ekpene/Obot Akara State Constituency, Hon. Jerry Otu, in a gesture that symbolised unity and shared responsibility.
While presenting the newly unveiled trophy, Elder Bassey commended Prince Ukeme Ukpong, whom he recently appointed as Chairman of Ibom Angels FC, for maintaining high standards in the tournament. He noted that the quality of the medals and trophy was the same as those used at the Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival, describing it as proof of the tournament’s growing prestige.
“The quality of the medals is the same as those used at the Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival,” the commissioner said. “Even the trophy is the same one Itu won at the Sports Festival. This shows the quality of the competition you have just witnessed.
“So, I want to praise Prince Ukeme Ukpong for his consistency in sponsoring this tournament for twelve years. He is doing this out of love and commitment to the unity of his people.”
Elder Bassey also recalled attending the competition in the past as Chairman of Akwa United, adding that this was his first time at the final as Commissioner for Sports. He rounded off his remarks by donating half a million naira in cash support. He later decorated champions Nsit Ikpe with their medals, cash prize and the new trophy.
Earlier in the day, Ikpe Usung Ita secured third place in the tournament after winning 1–0 in the third-place playoff. Godswill Emmanuel Bassey scored the only goal of the match.
The Deputy Controller of Corrections, DCC Ezekiel Inyang, in charge of the Uyo Correctional Centre, decorated Ikpe Usung Ita with their medals and cash prize. In his remarks, he described Prince Ukeme Ukpong’s sponsorship of the competition as “worthy of support” and also made a personal cash donation.
The Executive Chairman of Obot Akara Local Government Area, Rt. Hon. Simon Dominic Akpan, presented medals and cash prizes to runners-up Ikpe Mbak Eyop. He also pledged to provide new jerseys for the first, second and third-placed teams ahead of the next edition, alongside additional cash support.
Individual awards were presented for Best Player (John Friday of Nsit Ikpe), Highest Goal Scorer (Samuel Abara of Ikpe Mbak Eyop), Best Goalkeeper (John Elijah of Nsit Ikpe) and Young Player of the Tournament (Emmanuel Fidelis of Ikpe Usung Ita), with each winner receiving a plaque and cash reward.
The grand finale also received financial support from the All Stars Uyo, which donated cash prizes for the champions, Best Player and Best Goalkeeper, as announced by its President, Engr. Uwem Umoh.
Other dignitaries at the event included the Chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, Hon. Aniefiok Nkom; Hon. Jerry Otu; the Mother of the Day, Lady Blessing Ebonguko; the Immediate Past Transition Chairman of Obot Akara, Hon. Anietie Ibritam; and several other guests from across the st
