Amaju Applauds Organisers Of
AKPAKOMIZA Novelty Match As More Ex internationals Sign
In
Exactly nine days to the novelty match organised by friends & associates of the Edo State Incoming Governor Sen Monday Okpeblolo, fondly called AKPAKOMIZA and his deputy, Rt Hon. Dennis Idahosa, former Nigeria Football Federation Prsesident and FIFA Council member, Amaju Pinnick has commended the organisers for coming up with the idea
.
Amaju, whose tenure as the NFF President witnessed alot of innovations in the history of football administration in Nigeria, expressed joy that Edo State is starting to use the power of football as a means of social engineering and empowerment.
“It gladens my heart when my good friend and brother, Frank Ilaboya told me of the novelty match planned to welcome the Governor Elect of Edo State.
“Honestly, this is the right way to go. I am really excited that more and more government functionaries are beginning to key into the power of football as a means of social engineering. The power of football in empowerment and engagement of youth is second to none. The youth restiveness and underemployment can be wiped out if the powerful tool of football is adequately deployed.
“Kudos to the organisers for this well thought out program. I would have loved to be around but I have a prior international engagement for that period,” added the CAF executive member.
Spokesman of the organisers, Frank Ilaboya is also excited about the interest being shown by ex internationals who are daily making enquiries to be part of the match.
The latest to sign in are ex-Super Eagles defence strongman, Bright Omokaro, fondly called ten-ten, Samson Ozogula, referred to Zion Train during his playing days and Japan ’93 Under 17 World Cup winning Coach, Amb Fanny Amun (MON), popularly called transform of talents.
Others are ex- Super Falcons handler, Rollanson Odeh and Coach Monday Eguavoen, both will serve as Coaches of AKPAKOMIZA X1 and the Ex-internationals respectively while Amb Fanny Amun will serve as the General Team Manager.
“We are really excited about this development, I mean the interest being shown by these ex internationals. Football fans in Benin and environs will definitely have much to savour watching these ex internationals once again,” Ilaboya, a former Chairman of Edo State Football Association reflects.
It would be recalled that Super Eagles interim Manager, Coach Austin Eguavoen, Felix Owolabi and Headmaster Mutiu Adepoju have already joined the AKPAKOMIZA X1.
The novelty match which comes up on November 11, is part of the activities lined up for the swearing ceremony the next day.
