&C Football Academy Receives Match Balls at Tico-Select Tourney, Team Manager Hails Organisers
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
By Jeff Onuegbu
OWERRI, Imo State – Organisers of the ongoing Tico-Select Pre-Season Football Tournament have presented official match balls to C&C Football Academy of Awo-Omamma following the academy's impressive 1-1 draw against Nigeria National League One (NLO 1) side Igho FC of Delta State.
The presentation was made shortly after the entertaining encounter, with the footballs officially received on behalf of the academy by its Team Manager, Mr. Amanfor Chimezie.
Speaking after receiving the equipment, Chimezie expressed profound appreciation to the tournament's Local Organising Committee (LOC) for what he described as the successful organisation of the competition. He commended the committee for maintaining a high standard despite the late withdrawal of some participating teams before the commencement of the tournament.
According to him, the organisers have demonstrated commitment and professionalism by ensuring that the competition continues smoothly, providing participating clubs with a valuable platform to prepare for the new football season.
"I want to appreciate the organisers for giving our academy this rare opportunity to rub shoulders with the big boys," Chimezie said.
"We are hoping for even better outings as the tournament progresses. Thank you, and God bless everyone working tirelessly to develop football in Nigeria."
Chimezie, a former Nigerian Premier Football League star, noted that the tournament has created an important opportunity for the young players of C&C Football Academy to compete against more experienced and established clubs, thereby accelerating their development and exposing them to higher levels of competition.
The former defender enjoyed a distinguished playing career with Enyimba International FC of Aba and Rangers International FC of Enugu, winning back-to-back Federation Cup titles in 2013 and 2014 before adding Nigeria Premier Football League titles in 2015 and 2016. His experience at the highest level of domestic football has continued to influence the development of young talents through his managerial role at the academy.
C&C Football Academy's spirited performance against Igho FC has further highlighted the team's growing potential. Despite facing an experienced NLO 1 side from Delta State, the Awo-Omamma-based academy displayed discipline, determination and tactical organisation to earn a deserved 1-1 draw.
The presentation of the official match balls is expected to further motivate the players as they continue their campaign in the pre-season tournament.
The Tico-Select Pre-Season Football Tournament has attracted clubs from different parts of the country, serving as a competitive platform for teams to fine-tune their squads ahead of forthcoming football competitions. Beyond preparing clubs for the new season, the tournament also provides scouts, coaches and football stakeholders with opportunities to identify emerging talents capable of progressing to higher levels of the game.
Football stakeholders have continued to commend the initiative for contributing to grassroots football development by exposing young players to competitive matches against more experienced opponents.
With more fixtures still to come, C&C Football Academy will be looking to build on its encouraging start as it aims to make a strong impression in the remainder of the tournament while continuing to nurture the next generation of Nigerian football stars.
