EXCLUSIVE: How Godspenal FC Crushed Others To Become Reigning Champions Of Ughelli Preseason Cup

By Binebai Princewill 

It was a moment of massive jubilation as the Godspenal Football Club (FC) trashed their rival Club, Joseph FC 1-0  on Sunday 7th of October at the Ughelli Township Stadium to become champions of the 2021 Ughelli Preseason Cup in Delta State. 

When asked on the journey so far and how he feels about the trophy, Amb. Chief Dr. Godspower Tomone, founder, sponsor and Chairman of the Godspenal FC, he said he feels so excited for his team to have won the Ughelli Preseason Cup as champions. 

The revered Niger Delta philanthropist cum chief in oil rich Ogulagha Kingdom had while dedicating the award to the Lord Almighty expressed optimism that the Ughelli Preseason Cup victory as champions is just the beginning for his team. 

He said his target is to show to the World that players from the riverine part of Ijaw in Delta State and the entire Niger Delta region  can become international players from the creek, adding that what God cannot do does not exist. 

Amb. Godspower stressed that his ultimate goal is to produce both national and international players via the Godspenal FC, adding that his team will soon be joining other teams across the country to play the NNL, adding that his boys will not let him down.

While appreciating the Lord Almighty for the journey so far, Tomone said players in the Godspenal FC are so talented, noting that the best is yet to come as the team will not be carried away as Champions of the Ughelli Preseason Cup in Delta State but to rather work harder as a team to get more titles. 

Nevertheless, Tomone said it will be a grave error if he fails to appreciate the coaches who worked so hard with the players to ensure that the team plays professionally by defeating others to become champions of the Ughelli Preseason Cup. 

He said supporters of the Godspenal FC who would travel from far and near to watch and boost the morale of the players also did a great job, noting that better days are here for them all as he owe them in high esteem. 

Furthermore, Dr. Tomone has called on good spirited Nigerians to massively support the Godspenal FC in any way they can, stating that the club have the potentials to make Niger Deltans and Nigerians proud. 

It would be recalled that Godspenal FC is now the 10th winners of the Ughelli Preseason Cup after 12 years of its hosting.

The Godspenal FC media team via a publication published on social media platforms said: “Barely 3 years of existence, Godspenal fc has proven themselves to be an extraordinarily formidable team showcasing football talents from the forgotten creeks of the Niger Delta.

“Godspenal FC displayed a lovely performance at the Otuama Peace Cup 2020 where they reached the Quarter Final in their first appearance at the tournament. After that tournament, Godspenal fc kept soaring higher and was featured in the 2020 Ughelli Preseason Cup for the first time but was knocked out in the group stage .

“In the recently concluded Delta State FA Cup June, 2021, Godspeanl FC fantastically beats three teams to qualify to the Semi Finals. 

“Godspenal fc defeated Flying Rangers 0:2 to move on to the 2nd round where they defeated Ndame fc of Delta state to qualify for the third round. Godapenal fc defeated Apex Krane FC 1:2 in the third round which qualified the team for the Semi Finals where Warri Wolves escaped defeat by winning through a controversial penalty.

“Godspenal fc has become a household name in Delta state football as its records are regarded as impressive for a very young football club scoring two goals in each of their three matches.

“From Ogulagha Kingdom, Godspenal fc is now regarded as one of the best rated football clubs in Delta State and the Niger Delta region at large following its record in the Just concluded 12th Edition of the Ughelli Preseason Cup, 2021.

“Godspenal fc did not just emerged as the Winners of the Cup, their performance was Excellent as they were Never beaten from the start to the end!

“The talented Godspenal fc scored over 1:5 (2 goals) in all their encounters before winning the Final by a lone goal against Joseph’s fc. Godspenal fc against Rolly fc of Benin was 0:2, Godspenal against Holy Arrow of Warri was 1:2, Godspenal fc against Chimooski of Portharcout was 0:3, a 2:2 draw against Holy Arrow in the quarter final,. 1:2 Tama blessed.

“Godspenal fc has created an impressive record and looks forward to grab the NNL title soon.

We Can Stand Any NNL Team, Michael boasts 

“Godspenal fc captain and dependable attacking midfielder Junior Michael has said his side can withstand any NNL team as their recent form invited several calls from top clubs in Nigeria for him and other team mates. According to the midfielder, Godspenal fc have a lot of talents that has been revealed recently. 

“Speaking about the winning of the Ughelli Preseason Cup 2021, the young star assured that it is just a tip of the iceberg for the team as they aim to contend the National Title with top NNL sides.

“Junior who is recently listed among the best midfielders in Delta state sometimes referred to as ” ball machine” is a spectacular player to watch. His confidence, football sense, skills and strength are very impressive.

“Junior Michael can produce outstanding results anywhere in the world and anytime. He is one player with great passion for the game.”

Historically, Godspenal FC came into existence on the 2nd of November 2019 following the grand finale of the Godspenal Football Tournament hosted by Chief. Apst. Dr. Amb. Godspower Tomone in his bid to promote football talents from the creeks of Niger Delta. 

The tournament which was described by football pundits in Nigeria as one of its kind saw a total of 18 football teams that slugged it out during the tournament. 

However, in the final at the Youbebe Football pitch in oil rich Ogulagha Kingdom, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State on the 2nd of November 2019  following Sokebolou FCs victory over Yokiri FC by a lone goal from Blessing Towei, thus what is today known as the Godspenal FC was born as Godspenal Football Academy.

The Liberator Newspapers Worldwide can report that the 23 days long Godspenal Football Tournament in 2019 saw the selection of 32 man team  drawn from 12 out of the 18 teams that played the tournament to form the Godspenal FC. 

It would be recalled that Dr. Tomone is a proud recipient of United Nations Peace Ambassador Award, a recognition that was given to him owing to his continued advocacy of a peaceful Niger Delta, Nigeria and the World at large. 

Meanwhile Coach Aaron Azebry is the head coach of Godspenal FC, he is prolific and result oriented coach and former NEPA FC  Lagos left wing attacker and prominent Highest goal scorer for defunct NEPA FC in the 80s while the assistant coach of the Godspenal FC is Sir Akintola Ayigo, another resourceful and highly skilled coach with many positive records to his credit.