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1996 Olympic gold medalist, Chioma Ajunwa-Opara, ex-international footballer and former Ajax Amsterdam striker, Tijani Babangida, Secretary of National Association of Nigeria Professional Footballers Union, Austin Popo are top list of dignitaries at the kick-off ceremony of Ikukuoma Mbaise Unity Football Championship held at Community Primary School Ezeagbogu Mbaise.

Others include Mr. Henry Amike, Secretary FCT Players Union, Barrister Victoria Nlemigbo and renowned grassroots coach, Agaragi Godwin and Engineer Christ

In his address before the kick-off, the Founder and Chairman of Ikukuoma Foundation and sponsor of the championship, Chief Summers V.C. Nwokie said he was inspired by the desire to the provide a platform to encourage youths in the community’s in Mbaise to develop their God given talents.

According him, there is reservoir of abundant talents in the community without the opportunity for development, adding that this informed his decision to embark on the project of harnessing the football talents to help secure their future.

He assured that the competition would be different from any other ever witnessed by the people in the past years. Describing it as a talent hunt, Chief Nwokie explained that those who displayed quality skills on the field of play will be put together for the next level of the project which is the Ikukuoma foundation football club next soccer season.

He further said the competition in collaboration with ACP Chioma Ajunwa Foundation, would bring a new dawn for Sports lovers in Mbaise Nation.

“The championship is well thought out. We are optimistic that it will impact on the teeming youths in Mbaise, especially those with football talents. The project is in collaboration with Chioma Ajunwa Foundation, a brain child of another illustrious daughter of Mbaise, who is passionate about the development of the youth in our community.

He recalled that in the past, the nation had produced a lot of players and Mbaise has always led the roll call of top players both in the national teams and the leagues.

The sponsor of the tournament reiterated his resolve to ensure that the glorious years of the past returns to Mbaise land, saying “Mbaise shall be once again known as the land of milk and honey when it comes to sporting activities.”

He said: “My investment in the youths today is an investment for a greater tomorrow in Mbaise land. In unity, we can turn Mbaise to Nigeria’s Dubai”.

He thanked the special guests for identify and partnering with him  in this project, adding that he actually brought them to see for yourselves the talents in the youths of Mbaise Nation.

He assured the partners that the competition would produce great football stars in the future. He also expressed optimism that with their contacts, scouts will be invited to select players as the competition progress.

Chief Nwokie advised the players to display their talents, adding that his interest is in the skills they will display which will skyrocket them to the next level and not to be distracted by the cash attached to the trophy.

 He advised them to be conscious of the fact that they are one blood, not enemies and should have fun and promote the spirit of brotherhood, Okpofe/Ezeagbogu Narrowly Defeated Nnarambi by 1-0  in  Group A ,Of be Ward 11 Oboama /Umunama by 3-0