By Frankie Omokhua
Anambra State Football Association Chairman, Chikelue Iloenyosi, has advised inmates at the Awka Custodial Centre of Nigerian Correctional Service to exhibit confidence and fear of God despite the predicaments they are facing in their confinement.
Iloenyosi made this known on Monday, October 13, 2025, while on a visit to the correctional centre to celebrate his birthday.
“I’m very happy to be in your midst celebrate one of the best moments of my life. It’s an opportunity for me to show you love and care”.
“I want to advice you to be steadfast, confident and determined no matter what you are going through or facing”.
“Be rest assured that by the end of this year, a lot of you will gain freedom, to exercise your talents”.
As part of the celebration, the final of a mini-soccer competition organised for the inmates took place at the Correctional Centre.
The Anambra football boss gave out cash gifts to the inmates to encourage their talents and well-being.
The former Nigeria international announced his plan to donate a trophy as part of the expansion of the mini-soccer tournament that will hold in December this year.
He added that the gesture is to help support the tournament which is competed for by the inmates of the 13 prison cells at the Correctional Service Centre, promote the growth of football as well as strengthen the existing cordial relationship among the inmates.
In his remarks, the Deputy Controller of Nigerian Correctional Service, Awka Custodial Centre, Lawrence Amaechi, thanked Iloenyosi for his contributions to the growth of football in the state.
The visit which featured praise worship songs and prayers by the inmates had football stakeholders in Anambra state as part of the entourage.
