- From, Everest Ezihe, Owerri
Worried by the dearth of football stars, which has, recently, characterised the game of football in Imo State, a non-governmental organisation, Imo Football Legends, has disclosed its commitment towards discovering budding stars through grassroots football competitions as was the case in the eighties.
The NGO said it was going to sponsor and organise primary and secondary schools football competitions in the State.
The Acting President of the organisation, Mr. Henry Nwosu, speaking through Messrs Casmir Mbachu and Obinna Obiakor, ex- international footballers, disclosed this in Owerri while briefing Sports Journalists on the activities of the organisation.
According to the duo “Imo Football Legends are worried over the state of football in Imo State. Since all us cut our football teeth here we are on a mission to address it through galvanization of grassroot youths football competitions using the Primary and Secondary Schools football competitions as a launch pad.
We’re not going to depend on government, we will use our contacts and goodwill in corporate world to attract sponsorship both from corporate organizations and high profiled individuals and so far, the responses are encouraging”they assured.
However, they expressed satisfaction for the corporation they are receiving from the State Commissioner of Youth and Sports,Hon. Dan Ogu, the State Director of Sports, Chief Metu and chairman of the state FA, Dr. Amanze Uchegbulem among other stakeholders.
They also stated that among their social responsibilities is to ensure the good welfare packages for their members regretting that most often they are being forgotten by the society they meritoriously served during their hay days as well as offer free constructive and objective advises to the management and technical crew of the state owned, Heartland FC in the overall interest of the premiership club.
The press briefing which was also honoured by some of their prominent members like Messrs Kevin Owunna( Chairman, Central Working Committee) and Joseph Irechukwu (Financial Secretary) informed of their plans to commence 2 days sensitization programme starting from Friday 17th December, 2021 with Victory Walk starting from Dan Anyiam Stadium to Mbaise Road then back to Whethral Road and on Saturday 18th December, 2021 by 9 am is an intra football competition.
The intra novelty match is made up of Team A and Team B, the Team A will be mann by Uchenna Nwaneri(Leftee) and Innocent Oparanozia (Bazoo) while Team B will be anchored by Tony Nwaigwe and Prince Eleazar Ogbonna( Alumni).
Other old war horses that will display skills and artistry justifying the cliche that old woman can never be a novice in a music she is acquainted to are Kanu Nwankwo, Mubi Oparaku, Legendary Sylvester Oparanozia (Bahama), Goddy Ogbomuche, Nicholas Ukadike, Henry Nwosu etc.
