By Didiphina Ojogwu

The five-day Goalkeeping Clinic organised by Seaman Goalkeeping Academy in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital has ended with over 60 goalkeepers from across Nigeria participating.

With the theme “Bringing Back the glory of Goalkeeping”, the Clinic which held from 14th to 18th November saw young and talented goalkeepers showcasing their goalkeeping prowess.

Speaking to newsmen at the end of the Clinic on Saturday, the chief organiser of the Clinic and Director of Seaman Goalkeeping Academy, Innocent Uzodinma said he is delighted to witness the enthusiasm and commitment demonstrated by the participating goalkeepers.

While giving all glory to God for the success of the event, Mr Uzodinma disclosed that the sole aim of the Clinic was achieved and called on spirited individuals, corporate bodies and lovers of sports to support the vision to not only bring back the glory of goalkeeping but to get more youths actively involved in the sports of goalkeeping which is result-oriented and profiting

He noted that clubs still invite him to keep for them, wondering for how long such system would continue considering his age.

“Clubs still invite me to keep but for how long will l continue doing this considering my age as a retired goalkeeper who have seen it all? The vision of having a goalkeeping academy which is the first of its kind in Nigeria is to discover, nature and groom goalkeepers into professional stars.”

The Chairman, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN Rivers State chapter, Hon. Cyril Dum Wite, who was represented by Amb. Didiphina Chidi Ojogwu charged the goalkeepers to put into practice all they have learnt both on and off the pitch.

He thanked the organisers for thinking outside the box for a well organised Clinic and academy while assuring them of the support of SWAN at all times to grow the vision noting that the association will keep partnering with initiatives that add value to the society and sports

The event was well attended with former Super Eagles goalkeeper, David Ngodigha taking the kickoff for the match between Akpajo All Stars and the goalkeepers. The game ended 4-3 in favour of All Stars.

Over 65 goalkeepers from all over Nigeria took part in the Clinic while special awards were given to them with certificates of participation

Overall best goalkeeper award went to Micheal Ibinabo, Godswill Martins took the best young goalkeeper award, Most Disciplined Goalkeeper was award went to Chris Uchenna Chidi, while Zoe Uzodinma took the Youngest Goalkeeper award at age 4. Life Dickson was crowned the Most Neatly Dressed shot stopper

Season 2 of the Clinic is expected to hold in 2024