By Pamela Eboh, Awka on February 25, 2020

One of the owners of an Onitsha-based football academy, Ikenna Ezeoke, has called on the state Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, to support privately-owned football clubs and academies in the state so as to help them succeed.

He made the call after an impressive outing of his team, Ozalla FC, at the ongoing Nanka Super 10 tournament at the NEROS Stadium, Nanka, Orumba North Local Government Area of the state. Ozalla FC beat tournament hosts Vemard Africa FC 3-1 on Sunday.

Ezeoke said that many football administrators in the state would have given up their clubs if not for the passion they have for the round leather game.

He said that the aim of joining two other partners to start Ozalla FC was to help take youths off the streets and also to assist those with passion for football nurture and build their talent.

Ezeoke disclosed that the academy, which was started four years ago to train male football players from the age of 13 years, currently has Under-13, 17 and 20 players in its fold.

He said: “It is the passion we have for football and the zeal to help our talented youths that is sustaining us. It has not been easy but we cannot watch these talents waste away.

“Some of them, like the under 13 players, are in school but report for training in the evening hours while those that are not in school, that is, the senior players train in the morning.

“I thank God that our effort is paying because some of our players are currently in Denmark, Italy, Ifeanyi Ubah FC, and Abia Comets. In fact, one of my players was picked today to be scouted abroad.

“Our government should look into what we are doing and help these boys. If they do that, Anambra State will return to its pride of place in football. What we as individuals are doing is what the government is supposed to be doing but unfortunately they appear not interested and they don’t support us either.”

•PHOTO: Governor Obiano

Source Daily Sports

Posted February 25, 2020

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