Ubong shares VAT Wonder Goal prize with orphans

From right, Mr. Agu Benedict, FIRS State Coordinator in charge of Akwa Ibom and Cross Rivers States, VAT Wonder Goal winner and Akwa United player, Friday Ubong and Elder Paul Bassey, Chairman, Akwa United at the presentation ceremony of NPFL Match Day 21 VAT Wonder Goal prize at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo

Match Day 21 VAT Wonder Goal Award winner, Akwa United’s Ubong Friday, has revealed that he would share the proceeds of his award with the Children Development Centre in Uyo.

Ubong’s strike against ABS FC of Ilorin was adjudged the best goal of the match day by online voters in a Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) poll and was presented the award on Wednesday by the Akwa Ibom and Cross River State FIRS Coordinator, Agu Bennet, amidst cheers from fans, team mates and visiting Wikki Tourists players at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, as part of pre-match ceremony for the rescheduled NPFL match day 23 fixture between Akwa United and their opponents from Bauchi.

Elated by the recognition, Ubong said he had never won such an award in his career and he is delighted that he is beginning to hit the limelight.

He said he will share the prize money of N150,000 with the Children Development Centre on IBB Boulevard in Uyo which his club and players have been channeling their charity gestures as part of their community relations.

“It is a great thing for me to win this award. I have never received an award like this in my playing career and I am happy that I am the one who has brought it to my club.

“It is great for me, my family, my team mates, the club and our fans and I am dedicating it to all of them because we are a family.

“I will share the proceeds with the Children Development Centre near our camp here in Uyo. That is the only charity I know and that is where we as a club and team mates have been visiting to give support from time to time.

“I love children and each time we go there, I remember when I was a child and my younger ones too. I feel very happy that I can personally bring something to them and I thank God for the opportunity.

Many of us may have come from homes where our parents have the means to cater for us but when you consider the children at the centre, you are reminded that there are so many children among us who need support from members of the society to go through life.”