Nidula United FC Eyes EPC Title

A local team from Milne Bay’s Kiriwina-Goodenough District, Nidula United FC, travelled all the way from Alotau to participate in the annual Eastern Papua Carnival (EPC) Soccer Tournament in Port Moresby. 

The EPC soccer tournament was founded in 1978 and aimed to unite the Milne Bay community residing in the nation’s capital, which has grown into one of the biggest grassroots events in the Southern region.

The tournament started three weeks ago at Port Moresby's Bisini Sports Ground, with 47 teams competing in both men’s and women’s divisions, vying for the coveted title.  

Nidula United FC is one of two teams outside of Port Moresby that assembled raw talents from the village to compete against some of the best teams in the National Capital District. 

The club’s President, Mark Ivekolia, highlighted the importance of the Eastern Papua Carnival soccer tournament that is hosted annually.

“Nidula United FC is a newly established club. We started it in 2024. This is our second time participating in the annual EPC tournament,” he explained.

“It comprises players mainly from the village in Goodenough Island, including a few experienced players residing in Port Moresby, to guide the young players.

“The intention is to use sport as a platform by bringing unity among the communities, especially the youths, raising awareness and getting themselves busy with sporting activities rather than engaging in bad habits. 

“It also provides an opportunity to build relationships and create networks with other Milne Bay communities living in the city.”

Competing against the city teams is a big task for the village club, but president Ivekolia remains optimistic about his side reaching the playoffs.  

“With our preparations, we are confident to make it to the knockouts. If we reach the playoffs, we believe that we can make it all the way to the grand final,” he asserted. 

“Last year, we reached the knockout stage and our target this year is to go past that or reach the grand final. I have faith and trust in my boys.” 

As the competition nears its playoffs, Nidula United FC is ready to give the Port Moresby-based teams a run for their money and leave its mark on the tournament this year.