By Ikenna Nwokedi
History was made again in Anambra state on Saturday, 29th July 2023 as Aguata Football Academy (AFA) came to life and unveiled her 2023 pioneer class of seventy-five players on the occasion of their matriculation ceremony.
The colourful event held at the Aguata LGA Secretariat brought together top football stakeholders in the state, parents of the players and the good people of Aguata who came to witness the unveiling of the pool of talented players for Under-13 and Under-17 categories of the Academy.
In his address, the TC Chairman of Aguata LGA and the initiator of the AFA project, Dr. Chibueze Ofobuike, stated that AFA is a platform created to produce the next generation of top class footballers in the LGA and the state at large. Ofobuike asserted that the existence of AFA is an opportunity for players who were successful from the screening exercise to be groomed as we anticipate that they will become potential professional footballers.
“Today, we are gathered here to celebrate seventy-five boys who qualified to be admitted into the Aguata Football Academy for the first time in history. When we had this vision of setting up a platform to train people in the game of football, it was like a dream but today it has become a reality.
“We are delighted that we have set up a platform for these young ones to become potential professional footballers. This is a process and a journey as most big dreams started very small and we believe that in the nearest future, we will have world class players from AFA. I want to also appreciate all the individuals whose contributions were instrumental to this noble course.
“Let me also appreciate the parents of the players because if not for their support and understanding this project may not have been achieved. My special thanks to Hon. Patrick Estate Onyedum, Chairman Anambra State Sports Development Commission and Chikelue Iloenyosi, Chairman, Anambra State Football Association, for their advice, support and commitment towards the success of the project,” Ofobuike stated.
In his remarks, Chief Patrick Estate Onyedum, Chairman Anambra State Sports Development Commission (ASSDC) thanked Hon. Ofobuike for his visionary leadership and commitment towards the success of this project.
Chief Onyedum who was represented by a sports broadcaster Dr. Ikenna Nwokedi, affirmed that the players have a great future ahead of them with the combination of sports and education.
The Sports Commission Boss admonished the players to be focused on the task ahead, work hard and remain disciplined as these are virtues that will propel them to stardom and becoming world class footballers. He stated that as a way to support the project, the commission is donating five match balls to the academy even as he thanked the parents for their support and making the dream become reality.
On his part, the Chairman, Anambra State Football Association (ANSFA), Chikelue Iloenyosi congratulated the players for being selected among many who indicated interest to be part of the academy.
Chief Iloenyosi reminded them that the road to fame is not easy but is achievable through discipline, self determination and hard work. He thanked the parents and Ndi Aguata for their support towards the success of the project.
Speaking on behalf of the Local Football Council, the Chairman Onitsha North LFC, Mr John Ubendu commended the process which led to the selection of the players.
Mr Ubendu affirmed that the selection process was smooth and hitch free as the scouts employed the use of exponential chart to get the right players for both the Under-13 and Under-17. He praised the TC Chairman for ensuring that the vision became a reality.
Re-echoing the views of other speakers, a football adminstartor and clergy, Rev. Fr. Damian Ogwatta thanked Dr. Ofobuike for putting Aguata once again on the map through the instrumentality of football. He called on the players to make the best out of the opportunity.
Responding, one of the parents of the players, Mrs Njideka Chukwuemezie thanked Hon. Ofobuike for his innovation which has yielded a good fruit. She stated that AFA has answered the prayer of his Son, Peter Chukwuemezie, whose dreams of playing football at the top level has become a reality.
Highpoints of the occasion was the formal induction of the players into the Anambra Football Academy performed by the Chairman, Anambra State Football Association, Chief Chikelue Iloenyosi.
