Erstwhile first Vice President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Mazi Amanze Uchegbulam, said the continent’s flagship competition, Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) would enjoy a new lease of life with the appointments of President of the Senegalese Football Federation Augustin Emmanuel Senghor and his Nigerian counterpart Amaju Melvin Pinnick in the new management committee. Just like Uchegbulam, the CEO of stadium construction outfit, Monimichelle Group, Ebi Egbe said Pinnick being on the AFCON board would rob off positively on African football. The continental soccer ruling body CAF announced on Monday ‘a new team that will lead the work of CAF in the standing committees’ with the approval of both Senghor and Pinnick as the two vice presidents to manage the Organising Committee of Total Africa Cup of Nations to be headed by CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe. “Frankly, I’m happy with the appointment of both Senghor and Pinnick in the new management team for the Organising Committee of the Total Africa Cup of Nations and I have no doubt that they will assist the CAF President in ensuring that the competition becomes bigger and better,” Uchegbulam, who served for many years as Vice President of CAF Board of Appeal, said in a statement. Uchegbulam further said the forthcoming AFCON 2021 in Cameroon between January 9 and February 6, 2022, would be a big test for the continent since it would accommodate 24 teams for the first time, adding CAF has started on a positive note with the approval of the new management team for the continent’s most sought-after trophy. Egbe on his part stated…”Motsepe has done well by getting Pinnick on board of AFCON. Pinnick has got the panache to add value to the competition which is the continent’s biggest soccer brand
Rangers patron, Ejindu hails Emmanuel Okala @ 70
The United States of America based patron of Rangers, Benson Ezeomeogo Ejindu has congratulated Emmanuel Okala who turned 70 last week. Ejindu in a message to the former Green Eagles first choice keeper said he is happy that the lanky goalkeeper is alive to celebrate his 70th birthday in good health. Ejindu noted that Okala remains the nation’s best in between the sticks both for club and country. “Okala was a delight to watch not for Rangers but the then Green Eagles of Nigeria. I m happy celebrating him at 70. I pray that the good Lord will continue to bless and keep him and the other Rangers legends,” Ejindu stated. Ejindu recalled that he had some good time with Okala the last time he (Ejindu) was home in Nigeria, especially when he did the house warming of his Oba country home in Anambra state. “I hope to pop champagne again with Okala, Chukwu and the other legends when I visit Nigeria again,” Ejindu said. Ejindu it would be noted has always identified and given medical and financial support to members of the ex Rangers family
