GRASSROOT SPORT: IKONO IBOM CLAN- UYO, ZONAL FOOTBALL COMPETITION SET FOR KICK OFF

[Uyo, 18th Nov 2025]

By Charles Bassey

All is now set for the kick-off of the zonal football competition in Ikono Ibom Clan, Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

The draws for the inaugural Ikono Ibom Development Union zonal competition were held on Sunday at the Secondary Commercial school, Ikot Oku, Ikono, with 6 teams discovering their group-stage opponents.

The lively ceremony was winnessed the National President of Ikono Ibom Development, Akparawa Mike Essien, Development union's Director of sport, Uwem Andrew, Director Media and External Communications, Dr. Charles Bassey, other members of the EXCO and the representatives of the six teams from the two wards (8 & 9) in the clan were present and witnessed the draws.

Ikono Ibom made up of wards, 8 and 9 has 18 villages with 9 in each ward.

For the purpose of the zonal competition, 3 villages were grouped to form a zonal team thus bringing the number teams in the clan to 6 with *ward 8* parading *3* teams, namely, *zone-A* *ward 8, zone-B ward 8 and zone C ward 8*, just as *ward 9* has *3* also namely, *zone-A ward 9, zone-B ward 9 and zone C ward 9.*

In the draws made public for competition to be played on league basis, zone A, ward 8 will with knock horns with Zone C ward 9 in the opening match of the competition to be held on the 30th of November, 2025 at the sports grounds of secondary school, Ikot Oku Ikono by 4pm.

Analylist have tagged the opening match as the " *clash of the Titans"* , as Zone B in ward 8 is the zone of the member Representing Uyo at the state House of Assembly, Hon. Uwemedimo Asuquo, while the Hon. Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Anieti Udofia is from zone B of ward 9.

Other matches would feature zone A ward 9 clashing with zone C of ward 8 on the 3rd of December, while zone C of zone 9 will slog it out with Zone C Ward 8

The National President of Ikono Ibom Development Union, who spoke at the event, revealed that the competition is part of the activities lined up as part of the festivities to mark the annual Ikono Ibom Day celebration, scheduled for December 26th. He stated that the football competition aims to promote unity, cohesion, and love among the 18 villages in the clan.

According to Akparawa Essien, "the event is expected to attract football scouts from across the state and would provide an opportunity for talented players to be discovered and potentially play for the state's football team, Akwa United, or even the national team, the Super Eagles in future".

The Director of Sports for Ikono Ibom Development Union, Uwem Andrew, urged all teams to abide by the rules and regulations of the competition as outlined. Six standard footballs were handed over to team captains to aid their training.

The national president led by the Director of sports inspected the pitches, including the venue for the opening match, which will feature the kick off ceremony and opening match which would feature Zone B of Ward 8 against Zone B of Ward 9.

The match is expected to be a thrilling encounter, with both zones boasting prominent personalities, including the Honorable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism and the member representing Uyo State Constituency at the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.

The competition promises to be an exciting event, with several dignitaries expected to attend, including government officials, traditional rulers, and sports enthusiasts.

*DRAWS*

30th Nov - zone - B W8 vs Zone B W9

Venue: secondary commercial school, Ikot Oku Ikono

Opening formalities from 2:30pm while kick off Time is 4pm

3th Dec - Zone A Ward 8 vs Zone A Ward 9

6th Dec - Zone C Ward 9 VS Zone C ward 8

Venue for other matches would be communicated in due course.