The second stage of the Heartland talents hunt screening exercise on May 3rd 2023 ended successfully at the training pitch of the Dan Anyiam Stadium.
Imo Sports Commission in conjunction with the Ministry of Youth and Sports supervised the second stage of the football talents hunt screening exercise which is part of the program of the Shared Prosperity Government of Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma the Executive Governor of Imo State.
At the first stage of the exercise that lasted for one week, 20 youths of Imo State were selected across the 27 LGA’s of the State of the screening exercise. The second stage of the football talents hunt screening exercise was held in the morning and evening session. The number of the invited players were narrowed down to 34 players.
The best players among the pull of talents from the exercise will be called to camp, as they will enjoy the opportunity of starting their football career abroad.
The football talents hunt screening exercise was conducted under well experienced Coaches and Imo Sports Commission team of technical crew. Prominent among the coaches that handled both the first and the second stage include; Coach Ramson Madu (Chief coach), Sam Anozie, Gerald (popularly known as Coach Jerry), Coach Pakat and Ooach Obinna Ayar Ayar while the technical crew has Ex- Nigeria International players like Ifeanyi Ekwueme as the head crew, assisted by Hon Emma Nnadi also known as Kalico. Ex- International and Grasshoppers handball super player Lady Okpulo also doubles as the Deputy Director of Sports not forgotten the hard working medical department.
Reacting to the conclusion of the exercise, the Imo Sports Commission Chairman, Prince Sir Eleazar Onyewuchi Ogbonna noted that this positive achievements was recorded through the help of the vision driven Governor of Imo State Sen Hope Uzodimma (Onwa Onyoko) and the encouragement of the Sports Commissioner, Hon Emeka OKoronkwo whom he noted is desirous of actualizing the dreams of His Excellency for sports and the youths in the state.
Ogbonna who spoke from Europe where contacts are currently ongoing for the Europe Exhibition Talent Show further expressed that the purpose and vision of this exercise is to help many of Imo youths to achieve their dreams of making ends meet through football adding that it’s s also an avenue to use in taking Youths off the street through their God given talents.
He also graciously appreciated the Director of Sports Sir Ferdinand Emeana, the SA Special duties to the Commission’s Chairman, Hon Humble Eze for their commitment to the exercise.
He however enjoined them to keep up the good work for the betterment of the Sports Commission and Ministry Sports, Youth and Social Development
