Nketiah Foundation Cup 2024: Joma Smart FC win inaugural edition of football tournament

Joma Smart Football Club won the maiden edition of the Nketiah Foundation Cup after beating Strong Heroes Academy in the final.

The one-day football competition, which was held at the Madina AstroTurf on March 16, 2024, saw the Teshie-based side lift the trophy and walk away with a cash prize at the end of the day.

Both Joma Smart and Strong Heroes made the final after a brilliant run in the group stage as well as the semifinal.

The winners topped Group A which also had Highest Academy as well as Aboma while Strong Heroes advanced from Group B which also consisted of Mercury Academy and Vassajan, who finished second in their group.

Victories in their semifinal ties meant Strong Heroes set up a mouthwatering encounter against Joma Smart with the latter scoring late in the second half to break the hearts of Strong Heroes, who are based in Kasoa Amanfro.

The tournament was put together by the Nketiah Foundation, a non-governmental organization set up by Arsenal star Eddie Nketiah, in partnership with Elite Project Sports Agency which is based in London.

Speaking to Joy Sports after the event, the father of the English-born Ghanaian, Eddie Nketiah Snr, said he was impressed with the success of the first edition despite the short notice.

“It’s been amazing. We called people at short notice but in terms of the quality of the football and the fun that was had by all of us, I think it’s been wonderful,” he said.

“The Foundation is simply trying to inspire people and the youth through football. Eddie [Nketiah] is a story that comes from a humble beginning and he has got into where he has gotten to.

“We want to use the platform to help people to move to a level where they have fun but also while having fun tackle some of the serious social issues such as poverty, isolation and try and have fun.”

He also added that his team will look to organize more of the football competition which will help unearth more talent.

Each participating team walked home with a cash prize as well as a football while the top three teams got medals in addition.

The first runner-up, Strong Heroes Academy, were rewarded with a GHS 1,000.00 while the winners, Joma Smart FC, also received a GHS 2,000.00 cash prize.

Individuals who walked away with accolades included: