Some of the officials and players of the academy.
By Johnkennedy Uzoma,
Owerri
Imo State Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon Evarestus Obinna Onyeocha, has assured his Ministry’s willingness to partner with Nze/ Ekwueme Soccer Academy (NESA) to promote and market the academy to achieve its target.
Onyeocha disclosed this weekend at the official unveiling of the Academy at Community Secondary School Nkwuemeke Emekuku in Owerri North LGA of Imo State.
The commissioner, represented by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Greg Okechukwu Nwadike, conveyed the ministry’s appreciation to the owner of the academy.
While he encouraged them to continue to work hard to sustain and give their best to the academy, the Commissioner solicited for a meeting with the owners of the academy in his office to chart a way forward.
During the unveiling on behalf of Prof. Mark Anthony Nze, Oluchi Roseline Ekwueme said that she was moved by the inspiration as ex-footballer to impact on the younger generation.
Also read: Why Imo remains tourism, industrial hub of South-East
Oluchi said that her family has produced 8 footballers including her and her sister, adding that the academy will encourage both male and female players to excel in their future football career.
She disclosed that Prof. Mark Anthony Nze and herself were co-owners of the club, adding that they were thrilled to embark on the journey of discovering, developing,and nurturing young talents (boys & girls) to their greatness in football.
She however pointed out that the mission of the academy was to develop skills, foster teamwork and aim higher for opportunities to play in bigger football clubs both in Nigeria and Europe as the case may be.
According to her, the academy has a target of producing players that will represent the country at every category in the global stage.
Oluchi Ekwueme enumerated some of their programmes for the club to include holding seminars/workshop to keep the young talents abreast with current technical/tacktical knowledge of the game, orgernizing trainning and matches among others.
Describing football as a global game that has capacity to forster peace and unity among Communities, states and nation’s, the ex-footballer solicited for support and collaboration with people and the community in order to achieve success.
In his remark, the Manager and Director of the academy, Ekejiuba Michael Nkwopara while expressing joy for the unveiling, identified lack of support as their major challenge.
He further disclosed that Prof. Mark Anthony Nze had been the one showcasing the financial burden of the academy before the co-owner Oluchi Ekwueme joined him.
He also appealed for support from both Goverment, organizations and individuals to move the academy forward.
Nkwopara recalled that the academy had before now played state league, NNL and NLO, while expressing hope to engage in such competitions in future.
…………
For more interesting stories click: nigerianewsflight.com.ng
