Team Odilora Wins Umunnachi All Stars Novelty Match

By Ikenna Nwokedi

Team Odilora on Wednesday, 3rd January 2024 defeated Team Uzuh by three goals to one in the fourth edition of the annual Umunnachi All Stars Novelty football match bankrolled by Hon. Engr. Emeka Okonkwo, Proprietor of Konti Football Club.

The annual Umunnachi All Stars Novelty football match is an initiative of the former TC Chairman of Dunukofia LGA and

current MD/CEO of Anambra State Road Traffic Management Agency (ARTMA), Hon. Engr. Emeka Okonkwo (Konti) geared towards honouring ex-professional footballers and sports personalities in Umunnachi town.

This year’s edition was coordinated by Mr. Cy Okalia, Hon. Emeka Odionu and Mr. Michael Onwubbah.

In the match played at the Community Primary School Umunnachi, Ikenna Uzoh’s goal in the 14th minute and a brace from Chukwuemeka Oraegbuna (popularly known as Mourinho) in the 52nd and 79th minutes ensured Team Odilora came out tops as Tochukwu Onwuba’s effort in the 64th minute was only a consolation for Team Uzuh.

Addressing the media after the match, Engr. Okonkwo stated that the aim of the novelty match is to gather old Umunnachi ex-professionals that played football across the world to come together during the festive period, showcase their skills, reflect on their past days and have fun.

“We do this every year as the 3rd of January every year has been set aside for Umunnachi All Stars Novelty football match where old Umunnachi ex-professionals who played the round leather game across the globe come together to play against each other during the festive period.

“During the game, we choose two ex-internationals who played the game to captain two sides, play against each other, reflect on their past experiences, motivate young and upcoming footballers and as well have fun thereafter,” Engr. Okonkwo said.

On his part, an indigene of the community, Dr. Chibuike Amucheazi commended Engr. Okonkwo for the thoughtful initiative bringing them together to share their commonalities and values together. He emphasized that this will help to create the right bond, unite not just ex-sports professionals together but indigenes of the community and as well the all stars crew on display will motivate young footballers while he promised to bankroll the academicals’ football program during the festive period of 2024 year.

Other highlights of the event was presentation of awards to Chief Marcel Nwazulu, Amb. Edeh Uzuh, Mr. Patrick Iluno and Amb. Sunday Odilora for their contributions to the growth of sports in Umunnachi.

Chief Marcel Nwazulu who spoke on behalf of the award recipients thanked Engr. Okonkwo and the coordinators for recognizing their efforts toward the growth of sports in the community and beyond while promising not to rest on their oars.