Ex–Enugu Footballers Form Welfare Association

OLISEMEKA OBI

A group of ex–players that grew up and played club football in the Coal City, Enugu, has formed a new association to be known as ‘042 Football Legends’.

The association, which was initiated in January 2020, already has over 200 strong active members made up of ex-footballers that played official football at various club levels in Enugu including Rangers International, Vasco da Gama, PRODA, Union Bank FC, among others.

Speaking to our correspondent through a Zoom video call from his base in Madrid, Spain, the protem President of the Association, Mr. John Chidi Ikemefuna, said that 042 Football Legends Association was formed to assist and uplift members, especially those that are struggling and to also increase the social impact of football in Enugu and environs. 

“We will work with Government and the Private Sector to improve on the existing platforms where necessary in order to support our members especially those that are less fortunate in life” he said.

According to John, popularly called ‘Rasta’ during his playing career that covered various clubs in Enugu like NNPC FC, PRODA FC, UNION BANK FC, ASESA Warriors, and NITEL Vasco da Gama before he left for Europe, the motivation to initiate the association started in Enugu in January 2019, following a novelty match between ex-Rangers International players against other ex-footballers based South Africa.

“After that game, I thought it wise to bring together all the ex-football players who live or lived in Enugu and it has been great fun linking back together after so many years apart.”“We keep growing everyday as more people are added into our chat room and we reminiscent with sweet nostalgia our days growing up and playing for various clubs”. 

He added that the membership of the 042 Football Legends spans across the globe, age and social class.  Some of the notable members of the association included, Chief Christian Chukwu, Ben ‘Surugede’ Ugwu, Ifeanyi Onyedika, Stanley Okoronkwo, Emma Okocha, Phinan ‘Bishop’ Ozonweke and Ikem Ude (Ayaya). The list also included the likes of Ebele Anijekwu, Kingsley ‘Meringe’Ogbodo, Ndubuisi Ajomiwe Charles Okonkwo among many others.

Part of the vision of the new association includes supporting their members in their areas of endeavours as well as creating networking opportunities among themselves across all available links. 
“We realized that many of our members went out of the football circle after their playing days, including those that were privileged to play internationally and for the National teams, because they were not prepared for the global football business.”

Mr. Ikemefuna, who studied Computer Technology in Spain, advised the present day footballers to plan and prepare for life after football while playing.He also advised the various football organs in Nigeria to invest in youth football development and bring back National School Sports. 

“Nigerian football is improving but we still have much to do in order to blend more with the international football market. 042 Football Legend will try to empower football in Enugu and environs. On the choice of the name ‘042 Football Legend’, he revealed that ‘042’was the telephone code of Enugu during the era of land phone. In the recent years, 042 has become the identity of the city with even musicians using it in songs.

The inauguration of the association has been scheduled to hold in December, 2021, during which there will be novelty football match and other activities. A committee has already been put in place for the inauguration.