By Brenda Chidinma Imo-Eze
In a bid to promote grassroots football, Governor Francis Nwifuru has pledged to integrate talented indigenous players into Abakaliki Football Club to further strengthen the club’s performance in the national league.
The Governor made the promise during the grand finale of the Izzi Football Association (IFA) Super League 2024 season, which was held at the Community Secondary School in Nwofe Agbaja.
Governor Nwifuru congratulated the Ekumaenyi Development Center (DC) players, who triumphed over Izzi DC with a lone goal to emerge champions of the 2024 season. He praised the tournament for its role in promoting peace, unity, and talent development among the youth, urging them to remain focused and disciplined, qualities he believes will help them thrive in their football careers.
The state Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Prince Richard Idike, along with the Commissioner for Work, Lebechi Mbam, commended the Governor for fostering an enabling environment for the youth and thanked the IFA for its consistent efforts in using football as a tool for uniting the people of Izzi.
Additionally, the Executive Chairman of Abakaliki Local Government Area, Mr. Ebere Nwogba, and the Chairman of Izzi Local Government Council, Barr. Steve Nwankpa, congratulated the winners of the 2024 season and promised increased investment in football to ensure the teams maintain their competitive edge in future seasons.
Comrade Chika Nwibo, the Coordinator of Ekumaenyi DC, and Comrade Theophilus Obinna Nwedu, the Coordinator of Igbeagu Development Center, expressed gratitude to Governor Nwifuru for revitalizing the sports sector in the state. They assured that they would continue to engage and develop the youth for the betterment of both their careers and the state’s growth.
In his remarks, the national president of the Izzi Football Association, His Royal Highness, Eze Boniface Ezeagu, thanked all stakeholders for their unwavering support. He highlighted the significant role the association has played in shaping the careers of many footballers and emphasized that the event marked over two decades of youth empowerment through football.
Reflecting on the association’s history, Ezeagu, who is also the traditional ruler of Ndiechi Ezza Inyimegu, stated that the competition had helped many players secure spots in football clubs, including Abakaliki Football Club. He pledged to continue supporting the association’s growth and development, ensuring that future generations of youth benefit from similar opportunities.
The event attracted several dignitaries, including the former All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate Elias Mbam, CEO of Higher Edge Broadcasting and Media Ltd, Arc. Edward Nkwegu, former ambassadors, traditional rulers, and local government chairmen, all of whom showed their support for the youth and the success of the competition.