University Don, ex-female footballer, Oluchi Ekwueme unveil Soccer Academy
By Athan Agbakwuru, Owerri
Renowned University Don, Prof. M. A. Nze and ex-female footballer, Oluchi Ekwueme have formally unveiled and made a public presentation of the Nze/Ekwueme Soccer Academy, NESA, to football enthusiasts in Imo State.
The unveiling and public presentation ceremony took place last Saturday at Community Secondary School, playground, Umuakuru in Umuakaliukwu Autonomous Community of Owerri North LGA, Imo State.
In a joint welcome address presented by Oluchi Ekwueme, on behalf of the soccer academy, the co-owners of the academy expressed their desire and determination in fishing out and developing young soccer talents into great national and international players of repute
She said, “We are thrilled to embark on this journey of discovering, developing and nurturing young talents(boys and girls) in this beautiful game of football to greatness.
“Our mission is to develop skills, foster teamwork, and aim higher for opportunities like playing in bigger football clubs in Nigeria and Europe and also to produce players, that will represent the country at every category, in the global stage. We also aim at using this platform to showcase our community, state and Nigeria to the world.”
Ekwueme, listed the programmes of the new football academy to include; organizing seminars/workshops to keep the young talents abreast of current technical/tactical knowledge of the game, training and matches and exposure to international experience, among others.
Describing football as a global game that has capacity to foster peace and unity among communities, states and nations, the ex-female soccer star harped on the need for support and collaboration from the community, government and corporate organizations to enable the academy achieve its goals.
Speaking, Imo State Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Obinna Everastus Onyeocha applauded the commitment of the proprietors of the academy stressing that it is in line with Governor Hope Uzodimma’s policy direction in sports.
Onyeocha who was represented by his aide, Comrade Greg O.C. Nwadike assured Nze Ekwueme Soccer Academy of the state government’s willingness to partner with the group.
In their separate goodwill messages, the President -General of Umuakaliukwu Community, Hon. A.C. Nwaforo, a club owner, Chuks Dike commended the duo for the vision of promoting grassroot football and urged the public to support the soccer academy.
Highlights of the unveiling ceremony included, the donation of balls to the academy by Anayo Udorgu and Senegal Etoh, friendly match between NESA FC and Hawks FC and novelty matches by the U-13 team of the academy.
