It was a jubilation galore among youths in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State following the unveiling of a football tournament by a non-government organization, Prince Onyendozi Foundation for the 15 communities in the area.
The football tournament, which will span from the first week of December, 2020, to the first week of January, 2021, would see the first placed team win cash sum of N500,000, while the second place team would smile home with N300,000.
The team that came third would receive N200,000, while the sum of N50,000 was set aside for the highest goal scorer/golden booth, just as the participating teams would get a consolation price of 20,000 each.
Speaking at the unveiling of the tournament, the Founder of the Foundation, Prince Nnanyerugo Ike said the competition was in furtherance of efforts at advancing grassroots sports in Anambra State.
He said the tournament was also targeted at creating a platform through which football talents of youths in the area could be harnessed.
“The 2020 Prince Onyendozi Football tournament Football Tournament is a project we evolved through which we intend to give vent to the budding football talents in Orumba South LGA.
“No doubt, many Nigerians have found viable avenues for income and livelihood in sports and sporting activities and football has proven to be a major one in this regard.
“The likes of Kanu Nwankwo, Jay Jay Okocha, Mikel Obi, Kelechi Iheanacho, Wilfred Ndidi, are just few of the names among the many Igbo sons, who have found their feet in the soccer business.
“What I intend to achieve with this tournament, is a platform through which we can give expression to the talents of our young people in the football business.”
While revealing partnership proposals extension to scouting agents and companies expected for the tournament, Ike assured the possibility of picking players that distinguished themselves creditably.
“Prince Onyendozi Foundation, is a non-governmental organization, which I established, as a platform to provide succor and assistance to our people across various spheres.
“It is on record that since its inception, the foundation has touched not less than 1000 lives through many of its interventions in the areas of education, health, sports development, youths empowerment and skills acquisition, among others.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Foundation launched an initiative under which it provided relief materials to many households in Orumba South Council Area.
“Presently, we are undertaking our 2020 Medical Outreach for the 15 communities of Orumba South, which we flagged off on the 7th of November (last Saturday).
“This outreach which we run in partnership with medical doctors, pharmacists, laboratory scientists and nurses, is aimed at addressing the numerous health challenges of our people.
“During the Medical Outreach also, the Foundation has undertaken to enroll 40 persons from Orumba South LGA, under the Anambra State Health Insurance Scheme (ASHIA), to enjoy free medicare for a period of twelve months (One Year),” he revealed.
While explaining what informed his decision to float the foundation, Ike said, “The foundation was borne out of the agreement he had with God. Though I’m not the richest man in my community, but I believe in one doing what God has called them to do.”
Also speaking, Chairman of Orumba South Local Football Council, Dr George Okereke said the State Football Ball Association will partner the Foundation to organize the event successfully, commending Prince Onyendozi for his humanitarian gestures.
He said, “Recently, the Anambra Football Association held its elections. We were given the marching orders to go to the various council areas and mobilize stakeholders to invest in sports development.
“Just when I was still cracking my head on how to undertake the task, Prince Onyendozi Foundation surfaced with this initiative. What is fascinating about this tournament is not just the huge amount of money involved but the coordination he has put into the whole process.
“Having reached out to the LFC, we will make sure the tournament holds successfully.”
Okereke further pledged his support to mobilize youths of Orumba South to participate effectively in the tournament, as according to him, they have been yearning for an opportunity like this.
For a football enthusiast, Abuchi Onwumelu, with the scouting agents and companies that will be coming for the tournament, it will surely provide the opportunity to discover quality players for the state football team.
