By Roland Ike

The former Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports in Ebonyi State, Hon. Charles Akpu-enika has commended Governor Francis Nwifuru for floating a new football club, Abakaliki FC, for the state.

Akpu-enika who is presently a Legislative Aide to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, said on Friday in an interview in Abakaliki, that the decision would return smiles to the faces of soccer fans in the state.

The ‘Game Changer’ as he is fondly called, said that the team’s participation in the forthcoming Nigeria National League (NNL) season would signify the return of soccer blitz to football fans in the State.

“Since the disbandment of Ebonyi Angels FC in 2007, Ebonyi soccer fans have yearned for weekly soccer action in the state.

“The last administration which I served under tried its best to float a soccer club and that aim nearly came to fruition as we completed all formalities.

“The floating of the soccer club presently is a good development and we hope that the club will do the state proud.”

The former Commissioner urged the Management of the team to ensure that good players are recruited into the team to ensure a successful NNL participation.

“The team should strive to earn promotion into the Nigeria Premier Football League to enhance the status of football in the state.

“Facilities that will assist the team showcase their talents are in place at the Pa Ngele Oruta stadium as they are expected to thrill fans with tasteful soccer,”

He commended his successor, the present Commissioner for Youth And Sports, Richard Idike for his versatility and doggedness in ensuring the floating of the team.

“Idike, my bossom friend, has sustained the legacies we left behind and such continuity has enhanced sports in the state.

Akpu-enika commended the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi for providing the facilities that would enable sporting talents in the state, showcase their talents, when he was the State governor.

“He reconstructed facilities at the Pa Ngele Oruta stadium, making it one of the best in the country.

“The World – Class Athletes Camp he constructed within the stadium premises is the best in the country and this will be of immense benefit to the team.

“It is hoped that by the time the Olympic stadium in Abakaliki is completed, the team would be playing on one of the best facilities in the country.”

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