Essien wins MTN Football Academy Competition

Kobina Essien emerged the ultimate winner of the 2012 MTN Football Football Academy competition after three months of intense competition from among the nine players drawn from various parts of the country.

The 1.68m  Michael Essien look alike, distinguished himself  both on and off the pitch in all activities that were organized for the team mates through the 80 days of the competition.

Essien took home a brand new Hyundai  1×35 Tucson 4×4 vehicle donated by Auto Plaza, 15,000 Ghana Cedis, a 14-day summer camp with either Chelsea or Liverpool in the United Kingdom.

Bernard Gyimah picked the second prize of a Hyundai i10 saloon car, 10,000 Ghana Cedis, a trophy and a 14-day summer camp with Liverpool or Chelsea.

The competition’s top scorer, Gabriel Darko with 27 goals to his credit, emerged as the second runner-up, and for his efforts he took home 2,500 Ghana Cedis a lap top, a trophy and a Television set.

Godwin Gakpo placed fourth whilst Joseph Adams and both took home a lap top each, 1,000 Ghana Cedis, a trophy and television set.

All the final five team mates dressed in smart suits, presented their profiles to the large excited crowd who had gathered from far and near to witness the show, which followers of the event had no clue as to who the ultimate winner was until host Eddy Blay announced the battle winner.

It was an evening that saw a blend of musical performance, one belonging to the middle aged generation and the other to the young generation with Akosua Agyapong and Charles Amoah thrilling fans with some collections, whilst Gasmilla, Zigi, Guru and Castro took the tempo a gear further.

Earlier all the nine teammates, received medals for finishing among the last 14 from the huge figure of 5,000 applicants.

Coaches David Duncan and Augustine Arhinful were also decorated with gold medals.

Reuben Nii Nortey Dua, outgoing Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports praised the organizers of the competition, Optimum Media Prime (OMP) as well as the headline  sponsors – MTN, partners Auto Plaza, Metro TV, Nestle and other organisations for the initiative which seeks to promote youth football development in the country.

Richard Acheampong of MTN pledged his company’s continued support for sports development, especially among the youth in the country.

Source: GNA