Following the decision by the local organizing committee of Sam Okwaraji Football Competition to disqualify Mbailoti on the ground of ineligibility of players as petitioned by Owerri Municipal, the Imo State Football Association (IMO FA), which is the highest decision making body in Imo State has over ruled the decision.
The FA said the LOC did not apply extent rules and failed in the proper application technicalities and processes before arriving at the decision to disqualify Mbaitoli. It therefore rules that the result of the match between Owerri Municipal and Mbaitoli stands. This decision was communicated to members of LOC recently.
Owing to this, Owerri Municipal and Mbaitoli qualify for the quarter finals. The first quarter final match will be played between Mbaitoli and Ahiazu at Ehime Mbano Stadium by 2pm on 17th December while Owerri municipal will play Nwangele at same venue on same date by 4pm.
Ehime will slog it out with Isu at Dan Anyiam Stadium on Sunday 18th December by 2pm while Oguta will play Orlu at same venue and date by 4pm.
Sam Okwaraji Football Competition is being sponsored by Mr. Okey Eze and it involves all the local government in the state.
In a press release made available to newsmen, the sponsor of the competition Mr. Okey Ezeh disclosed that FIFA licensed agents will be around to pick player who will have the opportunities to play in the Nigeria league and other football clubs abroad.
He challenged Imo Youths to take advantage of the opportunity and make a living for themselves.
Mr Ezeh insisted that the Sam Okwaraji Memorial Soccer tournament will be an annual event as lapses observed during maiden edition will be corrected subsequently.
Meanwhile, The Interim President general of Owere Communities Assemblies OCA, Chief Sir Christian Oweaya Anukam, Agbawodike-izu,Owere has charged the players of Owerri Municipal team in the ongoing Sam Okwaraji Memorial Football Tournament to always maintain a high level of discipline before, during and after their matches.
Speaking to Sports Ambassador in his office on Wetheral road Owerri, Chief Anukam who expressed confidence on the Municipal team to come out victorious in their quarter –final encounter against Nwangele LGA at the Chief Onwuka Township stadium in Ehime Mbano LGA today, urging the team and their officials to demonstrate and protect the rich Football skill Owerri nchi-ise people are known for and go ahead to reach the final and lift the Trophy.
The OCA Interim boss while advising the local organizing committee members to continue the good work they have been doing since the commencement of the competition, he also praised the effort of the donor, Chief Okey Eze for using the medium,Samuel Okwaraji the Immortalize the name of the, late Nigeria Heroe who sacrificed his life in active service for Nigeria as well as to ensure that youths in the State at a life line to actualize their dream with their God’s given talent.
