History was made at Central School Field Izombe, in Oguta LGA of Imo State, where the grand finale football match between Wolves Football Club of Izombe and Napoli Football Club of Izombe took place.
Presenting his address at the match venue, the donor and sponsor of the football tournament, Hon. Eugene Okechukwu Dibiagwu said: “Sports have become globally acknowledged as one of the huge sources of promoting wealth creation as well as developing individual skills for the prosperity of the people and the economy. Further, sports activities could be funded to promote good neighborliness targeted at love and affection, safety and security, happiness and fulfilment, and effective consolidation of peace and unity within any environment.
“Izombe as a Clan with four autonomous communities of Aborshi, Ndeulukwu, Obeabor, and Umunwama, has remained in the global map for abundant natural and enterprising human resources. These resources have epitomized the uniqueness of the Izombe Clan, and by extension, the Oguta Local Government Area as well as the Ohaji/Egbema /Oguta /Oru West Federal Constituency of Imo State.
“Regrettably unfortunate, the Izombe Clan has witnessed orgy circumstances with unpleasant consequences in crisis, insecurity and instability leading to loss of lives, destruction of the fabrics of the environment, economic stagnation , and mutual suspicion . Cumulatively, the Izombe Clan known for stability and hospitality, has become renamed to the ” Clan of blood letting and other despicable activities ” in the years preceding 2025 .
“The years of 2023 and 2024 would remain sore commentaries in the history of the Izombe Clan following the devastating effects of terrorism and other negative tendencies which caused unimaginable wreckage and indescribable disaster on the environment and the people, including neighbouring communities. These negative tendencies halted development and empowerment, and further arrested every genuine activity designed to drive economic buoyancy in the Clan.
“As a result of the successful defeat of the identified negative tendencies by the frontal and pivotal involvement of the Imo State Government under the Executive Governor, His Excellency, The Distinguished Senator Hope Odidika Uzodinma, CON as well as the exceptional roles of the security agencies, the overriding prosperity of the people became a challenge. Therefore, every stakeholder as well as the leaders got into attempting a roadmap for recovery. The catch – phrase and slogan were that the Izombe Clan must be recovered, and positively restored to her former glory of safety and hospitality . This is the foundation of the Talent Hunt in Sports Activities.
“The promotion of the Talent Hunt ” is primarily and obligatorily pursued to redirect the younger and older generations as well as the generation next to meaningful activities and other gainful pursuits outside of crime, fraud , hate , grudge, and other negative tendencies. In this regard, great stars must be discovered, and ultimately promoted and sponsored beyond the shores of Nigeria, and Africa.
“In sports activities, abound immeasurable wealth and fulfilment both for the sports persons , their families, and their communities . The chain reactions in wealth creation and wealth distribution, including the gains of beautiful memories and pleasurable fun associated with sports activities must be optimized for the overall prosperity of the Izombe Clan. This is our preoccupation, going forward.
“Conclusively, as We draw the curtain on the sports activities today in this epochal grand finale, it is my firm conviction, that the envisaged gains and advantages, must be achieved, and forthrightly sustained . The Izombe Clan must move forward in positive dimensions from today, January 05, 2025. This is our daily prayer, and so help Us , God through Jesus Christ continually.
“Once again, I want to register the appreciations of the organizers of the sports activities as well as the great people of the Izombe Clan, to the dignitaries and personalities who attended and graced this ceremony, even out of their crowded schedules and other commitments . We are eternally grateful as always,” Hon. Dibiagwu stated.
However, the match ended goalless during 90 minutes of football auction and Napoli FC wining the match with 5-2 goals against Wolves FC after a penalty shootout.
The tournament trophy was presented to the overall champions, Napoli FC by former Nigerian International Footballer and Head Coach of Heartland Football Club of Owerri, Imo State, Hon. Emmanuel Amunike.
The second prize, which went to Wolves FC and the 3rd place position to Dortmund FC, as well as the Best Behaved Team prize to Wolves FC, Best Player of the Tournament to Casimier and Highest Goal Scorer of the Tournament prize to Nnabugo, were presented by Hon. Emmanuel Amunike.
Recall that Hon. Eugene Okechukwu Dibiagwu, member, representing the good people of Ohaji/Egbema, Oguta and Oru West Federal Constituency at the National Assembly and Hon. Chairman, House Committee On Regional Development, House of Representatives, Abuja, Nigeria, has been the sole sponsor the football tournament over the years.
Highpoint of the tournament was the selection of four (4) players from both teams to join the junior team of Heartland FC of Owerri in training on the 6th of January, 2025 by Hon. Emmanuel Amunike.
Some of the dignitaries that graced the event include: Hon. Emeka Mandela Ugaegbu, Commissioner for Youth, Imo State; Hon. Obinna Onyeocha, Commissioner for Sports, Imo State and Hon. Prince Adonis Nick, former Leader, Ohaji/Egbema Legislative Assembly, among others.
