By Ikenna Nwokedi
A United Kingdom based professional footballer and administrator, Mr. Henry Ejike Eze has donated 25 pairs of football boots, free jerseys with the slogan ‘OBOY’ and financial support to Nigeria National League (NNL) side, Solution FC.
The Awka-born Eze made the donation at his palatial home in Ifite, Awka on Saturday, 15th February, 2025 in the aftermath of the final match of the ‘One Boot One Youth’ – OBOY Football Competition featuring 8 football teams played at the Awka City Stadium in a week long competition.
Eze disclosed that this year’s OBOY Football Competition was geared towards playing for peace in the world which was the idea behind the concept of playing Russia against Ukraine in the finals of the competition played on Saturday evening which saw Solution FC facing Peace FC of Awka.
The former Kettering Town FC player informed that he has being into charity and alms giving which he started as far back as 2012 and this year’s edition was about doing something different by bankrolling a football competition as well as giving out football kits, jerseys, apparels and a little financial support to some football clubs in the state. He informed that the competition was an opportunity to encourage the youths in the state, showcase their talents and fostering peace in Awka Community and beyond.
Eze said: “The OBOY Football competition with ‘OBOY’ meaning ‘One Ball One Youth’ is aimed at showcasing the talents of our teeming youths in the state and bringing peace to our communities through this competition. This year’s edition featured eight teams and we wanted to do something different, that is why I came up with the concept of playing for peace in the world which is why you saw the two finalists doning jerseys with Russia and Ukraine in the finals.
“I have been doing Charity since 2012 and will continue to do so through various forms such as football competition, talents hunts as well as alms giving. I urge well meaning individuals in the state to emulate this and ensure they promote peace and conviviality through programs of this nature,” Eze stated.
In his response, Chairman of Solution FC, Chief Chukwuma Ezeamama thanked Mr. Henry Ejike Eze for his magnanimity and philantropic gesture through the competition as well as the support in various ways to Solution FC. Ezeamama stated that the noble gesture will go a long way in serving as a moral booster for both the playing persoinnel, coaching crew and management of the team.
Henry Eze started his footballing career with Bussdor FC, going on to play for Rivers United before travelling abroad where he played at different levels of club football in the UK in the conference realm for Kettering Town FC, King’s Lynn Town FC, Rushall Olympic FC amongst others.
Highpoints of the event was official handover of the boots, jerseys and other football materials to players of Solution FC and Peace FC.
Keep doing good ezeabatago
Loving this working with the community to make a difference