By our reporter
22 Elder FC of Abuja over the weekend played a memorial football match with Ukpokwu FC of Benue state in honor of late Patrick Idoko who died at Garki hospital on Tuesday 3rd of August 2021 after a brief illness.
The match which was played at L A primary school, Odu East of Obi local government in Benue state before committing the 41-years old to mother earth witnessed unprecedented spectators with little Covid 19 protocol.
Ukpokwu FC scored the opening goal in the 15th minute of the game through Agustin Ijwo with a wonderful short outside eighteen yield as 22 Elder FC equalized through Dominic Agwu in forty two minutes to end the first half 1-1.
At the resumption of the second half, 22 Elder FC played with maturity and full instructions for Emenike Nnan, Victor Iniunam (Marshal) to dictate the pace and control of the match in order to overrun the energetic home team.
The home team capitalized on its support from spectators, home advantages and sympathy from officials to put smiles in the faces of the disease’s family scored a questionable goal through Orton Jeremiah to end the match 2-1 in favor of Ukpokwu FC.
Reacting to the performance of the match, chairman, 22 Elder FC, Mr. Innocent Agbe said both teams played well especially the visiting team for entertaining the audience with good football but blamed fatigue for the defeat because 22 Elder FC contingents arrived in Benue state and moved to the venue without prior practices.
“As you can see, we play good game to honor our beloved comrade that is the major paramount of playing football here, the game is not win at all cost, it ended 2-1 in favor of the home team, everyone is happy with what we did to honor our young brother in his village, the climax remains late Patrick Idoko is happy wherever he’s now.
“Late Patrick Idoko’s memory will remain with us for a very long time because he was a great access to the club, a committed member who never underestimated any assignment given to him by the club.
“We came all the way from Abuja to play a memorial match in his honor, I thank everyone for coming and those who contributed to ensure our coming was successful,” Agbo said.
