By Ikenna Nwokedi
Umunnachi Community domiciled in Dunukofia LGA of Anambra State on Saturday, 1st June 2024 honoured her illustrious daughter and Super Falcons Star, Rita Chikwelu.
The honour for the Saudi based Women’s Premier League star who plays for Al Shabab was in the form of a novelty football match between Umunnachi All Stars versus Rita Chikwelu and Friends.
The novelty match played at the Central School pitch Umunnachi which had the President-General of the town, Arch. Frank Okonkwo performing the ceremonial kick-off saw Rita Chikwelu and Friends seeing off Umunnachi All Stars by 3 goals to 2 with the celebrant scoring a brace while Super Falcons player Osinachi Ohale was also on the score sheet.
In his address, High Chief Hon. Maduabuchi Egboo AKA Ebubechukwuzo Umunnachi who donated the sum of N500,000 to the celebrant for the establishment of the Rita Chikwelu Academy and as well donation of Jerseys to the All Stars stated that the event was an occasion to celebrate Rita Chikwelu who made Umunnachi Community proud by playing at the highest level of football which saw her playing for the senior national team, the Super Falcons and captaining the team.
Hon. Egboo informed that the financial support is to aid the benefactor’s quest of setting up the ‘Rita Chikwelu Academy’ which will be a platform to unearth abundant football talents and encourage the youths of the community and beyond to engage in sports through the instrumentality of football. The Umunnachi Chieftain affirmed that the town is blessed with different personalities who are excelling in various fields of endeavour while also praying for Chikwelu to get to the zenith of her footballing career.
In his remarks, the President-General of Umunnachi, Arch. Frank Okonkwo appreciated Rita Chikwelu for making the community and the state proud by excelling in her career as a footballer. The PG described Chikwelu as an ambassador, a role model and mentor to many youths who aspire to follow in her footsteps, he prayed for more success stories for Chikwelu in her career both now and in the future.
On his part, the Chairman, Dunukofia Local Football Council, Engr. Okechukwu Okeke stated that the day was historic for Umunnachi who came out en masse to celebrate Chikwelu for her success story in football. Okeke said the community is proud to have their daughter back to the land to entertain them on the pitch while admonishing Chikwelu to continue to be a good ambassador.
Re-echoing the views of the Dunukofia LFC Chairman, a member of the Umunnachi All Stars and organizer, Hon. Emeka Odionu thanked Chikwelu for putting Umunnachi on the map by her exploits in playing the beautiful game of football. Odionu averred that Chikwelu has made her mark and will be remembered for many years to come.
In her response, the former Super Falcons Captain, Rita Chikwelu thanked the entire Umunnachi Community and all who came out in their numbers to celebrate her through the novelty match. Chikwelu promised to do her best in supporting upcoming male and female footballers through her contact in ensuring they achieve their dreams of playing professional football.
The Al Shabab forward advised the youths to embrace education while pursuing their dream of playing professional football. She highlighted hardwork, dedication, being focused and eating right as some of the criteria needed in excelling as a professional footballer.
Also expressing their views both physically and virtually were Comrade Odira Ezeobi, Chairman Umunnachi Sports Association; Hon. Engr. Emeka Okonkwo (Konti Complete), MD/CEO Anambra State Road Traffic Managements Agency (ARTMA); Princess Alban Ugonwaezeh-Agugo, Chairman Anambra Rugby Football Association; Amb. Echezona Obidi; Mr. Tochukwu Onwubbah; Mr. Cy Okalia; Super Falcons Stars Tochukwu Oluehi and Osinachi Ohale.
Other programs lined up in celebration of Rita Chikwelu’s return are Saturday’s Morning Walk, Thanksgiving Service on Sunday at Emmanuel Anglican Church Umunnachi and House warming cum opening of her new residential home.
