Amuneke, Nwankwo honours 2nd Imo FA Veterans Competition kicking off in Owerri on Saturday
From Everest Ezihe, Owerri
Indications have emerged, that Kanu Nwankwo ( Papilo) and Emmanuel Amuneke, the two former African Footballers of the year will be among the distinguished Sports Ambassadors that will grace the kick off of the second edition of the Imo State Football Assocation Veterans Football Competition holding this Saturday, 10th August 2024 at the training pitch of the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri by 3pm.
The competition which is a brain child of Barrister Ifeanyi Dike led Imo State FA is aimed at promoting wellness and opportunities for networking of ideas between the ex-players and their fans, who may not have heard much about them since they retired from the game.
The organizers informed Imo State Sports Journalists that the competition will commence with seminar, aimed at educating the participating veteran players and officials of the role expected of them, as well as the rules, regulations and opportunities available through the competition for the retired footballers.
The competition is expected to kick off with a tough encounter between Uzie Na Abosi All Stars and Fit Friends All Stars at the practice pitch of the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri.
Moreso, members of the Heartland FC team that got to the final of the CAF Champions League in 2009 before losing to TP Mazembe of DR Congo on away goal rule have been detailed to be on ground so as to be part of the historic annual event.
Recall that the programme which was supposed to start with a seminar on the first day of August was postponed because of the ongoing nationwide protest.
The chairman, Organising Committee, Mr. Casmir Mbachu, also informed that the second edition was supposed to be on a home and away format but was cancelled due to the nation’s socioeconomic melt down.
Mbachu however assured that despite the changes in format, that the competition will not compromise in enhancing its visionary standards as notable former football players in the country have all signed up for the tournament and are ready to give in their best.
Meanwhile, the Secretary of the Organizing Committee, Neville Okere appreciated the teams that registered for the competition and assured them of a smooth organization in this year’s edition.
Recall that Dynamo Dynamic are the defending champions of the maiden edition and they have expressed their intention of retaining the victory they made last year.
