NJOKU MACDONALD OBINNA
There was celebration in the air as calmness and peace inadvertently returned to Owerri, the Imo State capital, on Saturday night, as Imo people across party lines moved away from political discuss, social criticism, opposition politics and bickering that usually divide them, to relish the moment and pride of victory demonstrated by their sense of solidarity and patriotism as the duo of Igbo-born Nigerian soccer players; Kelechi Iheneacho and Ndidi Wilfred, lifted their debut FA Cup with Leicester City Football Club of England against Chelsea FC, a more stronger team by popular rating.
Fondly called ‘Senior Man’ by his teammates and numerous fans, Kelechi Iheanacho from Ohaji |Egbema LGA in Imo State, and Ndidi Wilfred made a heart warming record with Leicester City Football Club’s win of the FA Cup for the first time in the Club’s 137 year history, which Sports analysts opined was one of the reasons this very victory was not only strategic, but highly celebrated by Nigerians and Igbo people around the world.
With Leicester’s victory, Kelechi Iheanacho and Ndidi have made the records of joining eight Super Eagles players; Daniel Amokachi, Papilo Kanu Nwankwo, Celestine Babayaro, John Mikel Obi, Victor Moses, John Utaka and Alex Iwobi, to win the FA Cup.
Flaunting the green -white -green Nigerian flag before over 20,000 fans at Wembly Stadium, Kelechi Iheanacho and Ndidi Wilfred demonstrated patriotism and the Nigerian spirit of resilience and unity of purpose through football despite the temporary challenge the country is faced with.
In describing Saturday’s victory, Imo Deputy Speaker and Chairman House Committee on Youth, Sports and Entrepreneurship, Rt. Hon. Amara Iwuanyanwu, saluted duo of Iheanacho and Ndidi for making Imo State and Nigeria proud through their sterling performance and well deserved victory at their club.
The youthful and useful egghead state legislator, Amara Iwuanyanwu, in the euphoria of what was described in the mainstream media as “victory for the most populous black African nation”, also seized the opportunity the medium has created to thank the Imo State Governor, Sen. Hope Uzodinma, for his avowed commitment and investment in sports development, which is evident in the improved welfare of the Heartland Football players; their recent performances and revolutionary facilities upgrade at the Dan Anyiam Stadium.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Speaker was not alone in this understandable enthusiasm of Leicester’s win over Chelsea FC; as majority of Nigerians across ethnic, political and club lines closed ranks to support their win in the spirit of patriotism, solidarity and unity of purpose.
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