Just barely 17 minutes after opening formalities that saw the Amanyanabo and Natural Ruler of Bonny Kingdom take the kick-off to get the tournament underway, defending champions, Ibani United FC netted the first goal of the tournament.

This sizzling opener by Ibani FC’s Benedict Pepple served as the launchpad for the tournament’s first win as they faced off against Bright Stars FC in what was a spectacle of an opener.

The match saw the defending champions take total control from the kick off, with all three goals scored by their captain, Benedict Pepple.

Benedict opened the scoring in the 17th minute of action and went ahead to double his sides leads for his brace exactly 17 minutes later in the 34th minute, eventually giving Ibani FC a 2-0 lead into the break.

In the second 45, Ibani FC and Captain Benedict picked up where they left off as they added the third goal in the 67th minute and made sure not to concede any until the blast of the full time whistle.

The prestigious Amanyanabo Football Tournament kicked off its fourth edition in fine style on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at the Bonny Central Stadium.

The opening ceremony began with singing of the National Anthem, followed by the Opening Prayer and then a display of Bonny Kingdom’s rich culture in form of dance performed by the inimitable Abara International Dance Troupe.

The Amanyanabo and Natural Ruler of Bonny Kingdom, His Majesty, King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple III, CON, DSSRS, JP, Edward I, Perekule XI, was represented by the Chairman of Bonny Chiefs’ Council, Se-Alabo Dagogo Claude-Wilcox, MON.

Speaking at the event, the Bonny Monarch thanked the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) for sponsoring the tournament in his honour, noting that it has now become a festival, calling on youths of Bonny Kingdom to utilize the opportunity provided by the tournament to showcase their talents in football.

Chairman of Bonny LGA, Anengi Claude-Wilcox appreciated the Bonny Kingdom Monarch for birthing the Amanyanabo Football tournament, acknowledging the Amanyanabo’s vision to see as many youths as possible from Bonny represent Nigeria in football and various sporting events, and vowed to support the tournament with her physical presence when needed.

On his part, NLNG’s Managing Director, Dr. Philip Mshelbila commended the Monarch for initiating the Amanyanabo Football Tournament to meaningfully engage the youths, and create opportunities for them to become international football stars.

Represented by the company’s General Manager, Production, Nnamdi Anowi, the NLNG CEO said the tournament, which started in 2019, is a creation of His Majesty aimed at giving local talents the opportunity and platform to showcase their skills and possibly attract interest from notable local and foreign clubs.

He said the Nigeria LNG will continue to collaborate with the leadership of Bonny Kingdom for the mutual benefit of both parties.

The Amanyanabo Football Tournament will run from today, Saturday November 30 to Saturday, December 13.

16 teams are participating in this fourth edition of the tournament.