Academies Championship Ends in Grand Style in Akwa Ibom State
KMK Academy were crowned champions of the 2025 Obong Isong Isang Memorial Academies Championship after a dramatic 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Blessed Stars Football Academy at the Ikot Ekpene Stadium on Friday evening.
The highly anticipated grand finale lived up to expectations, with both teams playing with intensity and purpose. The match ended 1-1 in regulation time, forcing the title decider into penalties. KMK Academy held their nerve, converting four spot-kicks to Blessed Stars’ two, to lift the coveted trophy.
For their triumph, KMK Academy received the championship trophy and a cash prize of N500,000. Blessed Stars earned N300,000 for finishing as runners-up, while third-placed Dynamic SPMD took home N150,000.
Earlier in the day, Dynamic SPMD secured third place after defeating Indomitable Strikers 4-2 on penalties. Their match had also ended 1-1 after normal time, continuing a day filled with shootout drama.
The grand finale also featured the presentation of individual honours, celebrating outstanding performers across the tournament. Blessed Stars’ goalkeeper, Samuel Uchenna, emerged as the Best Goalkeeper of the Championship, an award graciously sponsored by Engr. Uwem Umoh.
KMK Academy’s, Divine Ewah, was named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament, with the award sponsored by Hon Idongesit Ntekpere, whose presence at the event added even more prestige to the honour.
Another KMK Academy star, Omobowale Bakare, secured the Highest Goal Scorer award after a brilliant campaign in front of goal, a prize proudly sponsored by Mr James Etokebe.
The Best Behaved Team award went to Indomitable Strikers, a commendation that highlighted their discipline, sportsmanship and respect for the game, both on and off the pitch.
The grand finale attracted an impressive attendance, with political leaders, football stakeholders, community representatives and football lovers filling the stands to honour the legacy of the Late Obong Isong Isang and witness the display of young talents destined for greatness.
The Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Football Association, Mr Samuel Umoh, led the FA board to the event. He was joined by the wife of the Late Obong Isong, Barr Ime Isang, who has supported the tournament since its inception.
Other dignitaries present included the Honourable Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, who was ably represented by a Director in the Ministry, Mr James James; Chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, Hon Aniefiok Nkom; His Grace, the Most Rev Dr Etim Udoekong, Bishop of Ikot Ekpene Arch Diocese of the Methodist Church; foremost political figure Sir Emem Akpabio; former lawmaker for Obot Akara State Constituency, Rt Hon Idongesit Ntekpere; Board Member of the South East Development Commission, Adede Kufre Inima Okure, represented by the APC Chapter Chairman in Ikot Ekpene, Hon Imo Umoibe; former Transition Chairman of Ikot Ekpene, Hon John Cleton; Chairman of SWAN Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Emmanuel Akpan; Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Referees Association, Elder Joseph Bassey; and the Ikot Ekpene Supervisor for Sports and Chairman of the Football Council, Comrade Etido Inyang, among many others whose presence added colour and prestige to the occasion.
The atmosphere reflected deep respect for the man in whose honour the competition is named. The Ikot Ekpene Stadium, filled with history, emotion and community pride, became a fitting stage for football that celebrated both memories of the past and the promise of the future.
This year’s edition once again highlighted the mission of the Akwa Ibom State FA to discover, support and promote young footballers while preserving the legacy of Obong Isong Isang, a revered figure whose impact on football development still resonates.
KMK Academy now join the list of champions of a tournament that continues to grow in stature, significance and prestige across the state and beyond.
