IMHA Majority
Leader Commends
Eaglets For Lifting
2013 Fifa U -17 Trophy
The member representing Ahiazu Mbaise State Constituency; the majority leader and the Chairman, House of Assembly Committee on youths and Sports, Hon Chief (Mrs) Adaku Chienyengozi Ihuoma has commended the triumphant Golden Eaglets of Nigeria for making Nigeria proud by lifting the coveted FIFA under -17 trophy the fourth time in far away United Arab Emirates (UAE) by defeating their arch-rival Mexico in the last weekend’s Final clash played at Abu Dbai.
Hon. Adaku Ihuoma, who had earlier tipped the Nigerian side as the next champions of the all-important biennial youth tournament organized by the Football International Federation Association (FIFA) for the 2013 edition, also expressed her confidence in the current Coach Manu Garba led- Nigeria U- 17 World Youth Championship Squad; whom she averred had the determination and courage to deliver the trophy to the teeming Nigerian people who had anticipated their success when the tournament was still fresh
The woman lawmaker, who has weekend after the House adjournment to Thursday November 14, 2013, at the temporary Assembly Complex Concorde Road Owerri, spoke Exclusively with Assembly correspondents predicted a smooth sail for the Nigerian soccer lads having earlier at the group stage thrashed the opponent at the final tie-Mexico 6 goals to 1 was optimistic that the last weekend’s final clash would definitely favour the Golden Eaglets team.
Hon Ihuoma who has in the recent past assisted some local talents discovered during tier football tournament and beyond of both Mbaise Nation extraction and beyond travel abroad for soccer trials and possible engagements in various club sides abroad further expressed optimism that those talents discovered by the foreign scouts during her tournament and beyond one day be among the lads that would receive call ups, from the Coaching ^w of the various Nigerian teams according to her, to justify both their moral and financial support towards the growth of soccer in Nigeria at large.
The unassuming woman sports committee chairman, called on the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) and other sports stakeholders across the country to see the Victory by the Golden Eaglets as a morale booster that would spur the body into making selfless effort to achieving greater things for Nigeria in the
Hon. Ihuoma, however reminded the NFF and the coaching crew of the Super Eagles of the importance to be attached to the second leg play-off between Nigeria super Eagles and the Elephants of Ethiopia at the UJ Eusene Stadium calabar this month, as she insisted that Nigeria can not afford to be missing in the 2014 FIFA World Cup tournament
It will be recalled that the Golden Eaglets triumphant in UAE 2013 will be the 4,h time the country would record such victory having achieved the feat in China “85” Japan 93 and South Korea 2007.
NPF Ready For Junic 5-A-Aside Tourney
The Nigerian Police Force, Imo State Command have made known their intention to do well in the maiden edition of the Junic 5 – a aside Football Competition for all the Military and Para-military outfit in the State.
Speaking to ‘Trumpeta’ sports editor, the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Owerri Zone, ACP Felix Kigigha expressed confidence on his boy’s readiness to have a good outing at the competition stating that all being equal, Police will come out victorious.
He further stated that though the tournament is new to this part of the country but because of the intensive and technical nature of their training sessions, Police will not just be disciplined but highly technical to come against.
It would be recalled that a week ago Junic Recreation Center located inside NTA Park along Akanchawa Road, announced the commencement of the 5 – a aside football competition designed to foster good working relationship among the Military and Para-Military outfits in the State which according to the organizers will take place at the 5- a aside Astro pitch that is newly constructed by Junic Entertainment.
The one week championship is expected to feature teams such as State Security Service (SSS), Nigerian Prisons, Nigerian Army, NSCDC, Federal Road Safety Corpse, Nigerian Fire Service, NDLEA, Nigerian Customs and the Nigerian Immigration Service.
El-swear, the organizers have also concluded plans to stage the maiden Media 5 a aside football tourney for all the Electronic and Print Media houses in Owerri. The championship will see the likes of Orji Sampson (strong man of Imo Sports), Solo Mourinho (the presiding Bishop of Hot fm sports) and many other sports journalists do it themselves.
ACP Kigigha who is a FIFA/CAF referees instructor noted that the game is a highly technical one that requires good skills and discipline for a team or individual to perform while adding that the competition is welcomed development.
God Is My Son’s Inspiration Iheanacho’s Father
Father to the current most famous cadet footballer in the world Mr James Iheanacho has declared that the Almighty God has been and will continue to be the source of inspiration for his son Kelechi Iheanacha who according to him has been used to wipe away the tears in their family.
In an exclusive chart with the petit business man who hails from Obogwe Amafor in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area described his son’s achievement at the world stage as a divine providence but noted that he was not particularly surprised having noticed at an early stage of his life the rear gift that the likes of Kanu, Okocha and Messi possesses.
Mr James popularly known as ‘Okwe’ during his playing days was emotional when he recalled the words of encouragement his late wife gave Iheanacho as he was leaving for the African Youth Championship in Morocco four months ago. “ she called Kelechi and told him, as you are going, even if you hear that am dead never you give up on playing football” Kelechi’s father recalled.
He however used the opportunity to thank every Nigerian that prayed with his family and the Eaglets during their trial period stating that when you trust in God with what you are doing, God will surely see you through as he has done with my son and the other players.
Okorocha Rewards Imo Eaglets
The quartet of Kelechi Iheanacho, Uzoho Francis, Chidera Eze Nwakali Chidiebere and assistant Coach Emmanuel Anuneke were on Wednesday November 2013 rewarded by His Excellency Owelle Rochas Okoroch for their heroic efforts in UAE.
In his welcome address, the four heroes who were led home from Abuja by the Deputy Governor Prince Eze Madumere, were promised N1 million naira each including Anunake for making the state proud at the just concluded FIFA U- 17 world cup in UAE
Okorocha further stated that a parcel of land will also be given to them at a choice area in New Owerri. While promising that their Academic career and that of their family will be taking care of.
It would be recalled that the President Dr Goodluck Jonathan on Sunday gave the entire Eaglets N2 million each while some state Governors have followed suit as well as some private organizations and individuals.
The duo of, Nwakali and Anuneke hail from Eziobod in Owerri-West. Kelechi form Obogwe- Amafor in Ohaji/Egbema LGA while Uzoho and Eze hail from Akokwa in Ideato-North and Nwangele LGA respectively.
