The opening match of the highly anticipated Pastor Patience Umo Eno Memorial Football Tournament in honour of the late Pastor Patience Umo Eno which kicked off with great enthusiasm and community spirit, has ended in a hard-fought 0–0 draw.
The tournament, organised by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Support Groups, Mr Victor Etangnkanga, to celebrate the enduring legacy of Pastor Patience Umo Eno’s service, compassion, and impact on the community, drew a large crowd of supporters, friends, and well-wishers to Methodist Primary School, Afaha Ekpenedi, Esit Eket LGA, venue of the ceremony.
Both teams – Ward 6 and Ward 10, displayed exceptional skill, determination, and sportsmanship throughout the match. While no goals were recorded, the game kept spectators on edge with thrilling moments and near misses on both ends of the pitch.
Speaking at the event after the Kick off, the Coordinator of the office of the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, thanked the convener of the tournament, for his thoughtfulness in putting together the memorial football tournament in honour of Pastor Patience Umo Eno.
Represented by the wife of the Paramount Ruler of Eket, Obonganwan Mandu Abia, Lady Helen Eno Obareki expressed her gratitude to all participants and supporters, who thronged the venue in solidarity : “This tournament is not just about football; it is about keeping alive the values of unity, service and love for humanity, that Pastor Patience Umo Eno embodied.”
Present at the ceremony were the chairman of Esit Eket LGC Hon. Uduak Ikott, chairman of Mkpat Enin LGC Hon. Emmanuel Inyang, the chairman of Ibeno LGC Hon. Glory Ekah and her spouse, the Vice Chairmen of Esit Eket and Ibeno, stakeholders of Esit Eket and Mkpat Enin Local Government Areas, Aides to the Governor as well as staff in the office of the First Lady.
The Memorial Tournament will continue over the coming days and weeks with more matches lined up, culminating in a grand finale on Sunday, October 26, 2025, to crown the champions and further honour Pastor Patience Umo Eno’s legacy.
According to the Convener of the tournament, Mr Etangnkanga, the annual sporting event is designed to bring communities in Esit Eket together, in celebration of the life and impact of the late First Lady of Akwa Ibom State.
