.For Organizing NPFL Preseason Tourney
Stories by George Aluo
Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Chairman, Amaju Pinnick has showered praises on former Super Eagles midfielder, Ifeanyi Ekwueme for organizing the ongoing “Ifeanyi Ekwueme Tico/Select NPFL preseason tournament” holding in Enugu and Owerri. The weeklong football fiesta is being organized by the erstwhile Polonia Warsaw player in conjunction with Polish and Danish sportswear manufacturing firms (Tico/Select). Speaking during an exclusive telephone conversation with The Catholic Herald Sports Amaju applauded the proffessionalism and transparency of the organizers while describing the tournament as another welcome development in Nigerian football. “I am happy that we have ex footballers like Ifeanyi Ekwueme who have the interest of Nigerian football at heart,” began the CAF and FIFA executive member. He continued: “We at the NFF have been watching all that he has been doing for Nigerian football with keen interest. We are impressed and happy with his activities and may God bless him for us. “There is no doubt that he he has by dint of dedication and hard work contributed immensely to the development of football in Nigeria.
“I want to urge him not to relent on what he is doing and keep giving back to to the society that made him who he is today. “He should not cease to use his international connections to continue to help promote and develope our football to compete with African and European Nations.” Speaking in the same vein, football crazy Owerri fans also eulogized the former Polonia Warsaw ace for organizing the NPFL preseason tournament in the Imo state capital and should be a sustainable decision. According to Ndubuisi Mbonu, a resident of Amakohia, ” kudos to Ifeanyi Ekwueme for hosting this beautiful tournament in Owerri. He has been doing a lot to help develope football in the country. ” If we can have three or more of Ifeanyi Ekwueme the sky will be our limit.
This is just the beginning of great things to come.” Anayo Ibelegbu, a football enthusiast added:” I will like to give a thumb up to Ifeanyi Ekwueme for hosting this kind of entertaining football tournament for the first time here in Owerri. “By hosting the tournament in Owerri, it gives us the opportunity to watch some other top NPFL teams. “We are so much enjoying the display by all the clubs participating in this tournament. ” I want to see more of this to happen in Owerri because Owerri is the sport hub in Nigeria. We appreciate Ekwueme’s effort.” Also, another fan and student of Imo state University, Owerri, Chidiebere Nsofor submitted:” A big shout out to Ekwueme for the tournament. This tournament is good for our football especially the NPFL players. There is need for the young man to be encouraged. ” He has great vision for football and I believe if the Imo state government and NFF can support his efforts wonders will happen.”
Lagos bubbles with 40th anniversary / unity wrestling championship
As part of activities marking its 40th anniversary, Nigeria (Pro) Wrestling Federation, is to hold a wrestling championship on Sunday, November 20, 2021 (today) at the Indoor Sports Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos. Disclosing this to the media, President of the Federation Chief John Uche noted that the event will serve as a platform to announce the revival and arrival of professional wrestling championship again in the country with an appeal to Nigerians to troop out in their hundreds and cheer the mats men to victory. Chief Uche while explained that the success of Sunday’s competition tagged ‘ Thanksgiving championship’ which promises to be epoch making in the annals of the sports in Nigeria will not only be a stepping stone towards organizing other championships but will also be pivotal in improving the global image of the country with the other countries of the world in the areas of sports and tourism development. “Professional wrestling was the first sport in Nigeria to be well accepted and to reach limelight, producing former world title holders like late power Mike, Mike Bamidele, Ben Lion Heart and others but unfortunately, it went into extinction over the years due to poor management and government neglect and we’re out to resuscitate it and change the narratives because we have the fighters who can hold their own against any opponent but they need encouragement to excel”, Chief Uche stressed.. He announced that three different titles are up for grabs on Sunday namely: Chief Martin Agbaso African International Wrestling Heavyweight belt to be competed between Nigerian champion and his DR Congo counterpart, the explosive ladder championship belt and women belt just as he appealed to corporate organizations to partner with the Federation and use wrestling to fight unemployment, social vices and youth restiveness in the country. Secretary of the Federation, Coach Elephando Bassey assured that his wrestlers have been training and battle ready positing that they’re expecting wrestlers from Egypt, Angola, Cameroon and DR Congo to storm Lagos for the fight. He listed some wrestlers that will feature on Sunday to include; Strong Bome Erukujeje, Flying Dan KO, The Great Mosendo, Zion Lion, Power Vick, Mighty Progress, Alexander the queen, Super Rosco, and Mr . Sharp man. Others are, Young Mike, Black Tiger, Mighty Man, Will Mascaras, Captain Dunga Iron Lady Bekky and Triple J amongst others.
