All is now set for the final of the 2024 Zenith Bank/Delta Principals’ Cup with expectation of a new champion as the two schools taking part in the final have never gotten this far since the reintroduction of the secondary school football competition.
The competition which is in its 7th edition is being sponsored by Zenith Bank Plc in partnership with the Delta State government.
In the final taking place on Thursday at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, Umutu Secondary School, Umutu, will take on Ogbomro Grammar School, Ogbomro, Uvwie, for the coveted trophy.
To get to the final, Umutu Secondary School fought hard for its place in the final, securing a 1-0 win against Utagbe-gbe Government School, Kwale, leaving its opponent with only the third place trophy to fight for.
However, it was a different story at Oleh Township Stadium, Oldham, with Ogbomro Grammar School, Ogbomro, Uvwie, whitewashing Okene Modern Secondary Scholl, Okuokoko , Okpe, 3-0 for a place in the final and a date against Umutu Secondary School.
Prior to the final, Utagbe-gbe Government School will play against Okene Modern Secondary School, Okuokoko , Okpe for the losers trophy at the same venue on the day.
Meanwhile, the sponsors of the competition, Zenith Bank Plc, has praised all the teams that participated in this year’s championship while urging the finalists to give it their best shot in the final.
According to the GMD/CEO of Zenith Bank, Adaora Umeoji OON, all the schools are winners and they should work harder ahead of next year.
“All the schools and players that took part are all winners and they must take the positives from their experience this year,” she said.
“It was a great tournament and as you can see, all the four semifinalists are all new teams which shows the competitive nature of the tournament.”
Also, according to the organisers, Hideaplus, the four teams expected to feature in the Third Place and Final games are expected to arrive in Asaba on Wednesday November 6th in preparation for the matches.
Tony Pemu, CEO Hideaplus said a total of 21 persons are expected from each of the schools.
He added: “We have written them and our preparations are in top gear for a quality final on November 7.”
