By Charles Ogbonnaya.
Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti has assured that his administration will provide the needed support that will enable Enyimba Football Club, Aba excel in Africa and win the Champion League.
Dr Otti who stated this during a reception and hosting of the Enyimba Football Club Aba and their management team organized by the Abia State Government to celebrate the team for the feat recorded in wining the Nigerian National Premier League held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Umuahia announced that Government will renovate the Enyimba stadium to make it fit for the CAF Champion League.
The Governor represented by his Deputy, Chief Ikechukwu Emetu sympathized with the players over their unpaid three months salaries by the past administration and assured that as a responsible Government that believes that the labourer deserves his wages, he has instructed that the process of defraying the outstanding salaries be commenced.
- He commended the Enyimba Football Club Aba for making not only the Government and people of Abia proud, but for making Nigeria proud as they will be representing the country in the Champion’s League for next season and disclosed that Government will get more players to prepare the team for the tournament baring in mind that they will be facing more sophisticated teams from North Africa.
Dr Otti while thanking the coaching crew headed by Nigeria’s veteran footballer, Mr Finidi George and the immediate past Board Chairman of the Club, Mr Felix Anyansi Agwu for leading the players to achieve victory as well as appreciated the country’s football champion, Mr Kanu Nwankwo for his offer to provide support to the growth of the sporting industry in the State.
In his remarks, the Speaker, Abia State House of Assembly, Chief Emmanuel Emeruwa while encouraging the team to resolute in their winning strides assured that their worst days are over as the present administration will breath new lease of life into the Club and urged the management to remain focused in their resolve to channel the football Club to success.
Speaking earlier, the SSA to the Governor on Sports, Mr Chinedu Ekeke extolled Governor Alex Otti for his commitment in sponsoring Enyimba Football Club Aba to the tournament and the players for their gallantry in winning the trophy at the just concluded Nigerian Premier League competition.
Responding on behalf of the team, the Coach of Enyimba Football Club, Aba, Mr Finidi George acknowledged all that the Governor, Dr Alex Otti did in encouraging and supporting them which led to their excellent performance and bringing back the trophy to Abia State and assured that they will not take Govermnent’sh support for granted, but will do their best to win more laurels for the State.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of the two trophies won by the Enyimba Football Club, Aba and a Jersey to the sports loving Governor, Dr Alex Otti by the Best African Player of the Year for Laliga Santander, Mr Samuel Chukwueze.