Prof. Onwuliri Charity
Cup Kicks-off In Amuzi
The maiden edition of Prof. Celestine Onwuliri charity football competition kicked off on Sunday May 12, at the Amuzi Central Primary School beside St. Jude Catholic Church in Ahiazu Local Government Area.
The competition which is designed to honor the memories of the Late Prof. Onwuliri who died in an ill-fated flight last June, was attended by dignitaries like Mr. Chinedu Ufomadu, the Permanent secretary of the ministry of Youth and Sports, Amuzi Town Union President, Parish priest of St. Jude Catholic Church, Amuzi and a host of other dignitaries.
In his opening remark the first son, Eng. Ken Onwuliri took time to eulogize his late father especially on the role he played in ensuring that football and sports in general received a tremendous boost during his time as the commissioner for Youth and Sports.
He stated that his father was always a good follower of Kanu Nwankwo and that he followed him till his last club, Portsmouth fc, England.
He however said that the competition is a way of continuing with the legacy left behind by his Prof. who was always involved with sports and human development where ever he found himself adding that at the end of the tournament four players will be selected for professional career in Belgium, Germany or Holland.
The tournament is expected to run from till June as eight teams will compete in tow groups were four will emerge to the semi-finals. The teams are Group A, Amuzi (Prof’s home town), Ahiazu, Orlu and Aboh. and Group B, Oru, Ezinihite, Owerri and Okigwe.
In the opening game, Amuzi, Prof’s home town played out a goalless draw with Ahiazu in very trilling encounter that had every spectator at edge of their seat.
The competition continues on Wednesday May 15 when Oru will take on Ezinihite in a group B encounter.
Rescue Mission Traders/artisans Football Competition Kicks-off
it was indeed a memorable event at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, when the drums were rolled out by the Traders and Artisans in Imo to honor his Excellency Owelle Rochas Okorocha in his Two years at the Douglas house.
The event was the opening ceremony marking the official kick-off of the Rescue Mission Traders/Artisans football championship organized by the ministry of Youth and Sports to in honor of the peoples Gov.
The honorable Commissioner for Sports Comm. Kenneth Emelu who represented the Gov. charged the Traders and the Artisans to be off good character while the tournament lasts. He however noted that the competition which brings together the traders and artisans will help to proof that Imo people are one.
Emelu continued by eulogizing his Excellency for his visionary leadership especially on infrastructural development recorded within his two years in office. He also noted that in Sports, tremendous achievements have equally been recorded with Heartland fc and Flickers winning trophies both at the national and continental level.
The highlight of the event was the match past by all the participating teams that saw Hon. Emelu take the salute while the Ag. Director of Sports Mrs Chizotam Aretola was also on hand to grace the kick-off which was later performed by the commissioner for sports.
In the games that were played on Sunday May 12, at the Nworieubi Stadium by 1pm, Umuohiagu Okada fc lost to Nekede Mechanic Village fc 1 2
The second game which also took place in the same venue by 4pm, Amakohia Mecchanic Village fc piped Ekeukwu Owerri Mkt fc by alone goal, while the third game of the day which took place at the Old Township Stadiun, Owerri by 4pm between Okada Riders fc Egbu and Nworie Lane Mkt fc ended 3 1 in favor of the traders.
Action continued on Monday and today at the various centers as the teams continues to fight for the coveted trophy.
Heartland Departs For Ibadan After Overcoming Akwa
Heartland football club on Monday departed the shores of Owerri for Ibadan to keep a date with Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), in a week 12 NPFL game this Wednesday.
The Naze Millionaires who narrowly defeated Akwa United from Uyo 2 — 1 on Sunday at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri in a week 11 fixture were confident of securing an away point at Ibadan.
The cup holders now have16 points from 10 games, with a game in hand against Kano Pillars in Abuja.
Heartland is still searching for an away win since two to three years and the search will continue in Ibadan this mid-week.
Reacting to the Akwa game, team coach, Nduka Ndubuisi, explained that getting the victory was tough. He however noted that the financial situation of the club is beginning to tell on them, but that he praises the players for their co- operating character as they always give their best in the field of play no matter their condition.
Ebere Odiche opened the score for Heartland, in the 13th minute, but the visitors restored parity within two minutes before Isah Akor Umoru got the winner at the 28th minute.
Akor has scored 7 goals in the Professional League football from 10 games and is presently topping the top scores chart with Bishop Onyeudo of Gombe United.
NPFL WEKEND RESULTS (12/5/13)
Heartland 2 — 1 Akwa United
Kwara Utd 2– 0 El Kanemi
Sharks fc 0 — 0 3SC
Kaduna Utd 1 — 0 Gombe Utd
Sunshine 0 — 0 ABS FC
Enyimba 3 — 0 Kano Pillars
Nembe City 1 — 0 Lobi Stars
Warri Wolves 2 –1 Dolphin
PROF. ONWULIRI CHARITY CUP RESULTS
Amuzi 0 — 0 Ahiazu
Fixtures 15/5/13
Oru — Ezinihite
RESCUE MISSION TRADERS/ARTISANS CUP 2013
RESULTS (12/5/13)
Okada fc Umuohiagu 0 — 2 Nekede Mech. Fc
Eke-Ukwu Mkt 0 — 1 Amakohia Mech Fc
Okada FC Egbu 1 — 3 Nworie Lane Mkt f
