Ogufere Charges Sapele Academy A former president of West Africa Football Union (WAFU), Chief Jonathan Ogufere has tasked Sapele, Delta State-based Academy For Stars to produce quality footballers that would do the nation proud internationally and distinguishing themselves in local and foreign leagues. The former top shot of then Nigeria Football Association (NFA) made this charge while endorsing the academy pioneered by England based football manager, Elvis Ewruje. Speaking on the role of Sapele in the nation’s football development, the veteran administrator, who was special guest of honour at exhibition and presentation of young stars in the academy, said it is also a symbol in memory off efforts instituted by late elder statesmen in the community. “The Late Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh of blessed memory was one of the earliest promoters of the game through founding the Bata Football Club of Sapele in the forties. “I have been following progress of this unique Academy for Stars since establishment on June 9, 2012 and I’m certain it is a veritable ground to discover and groom budding football talents for Sapele, Delta and Nigeria generally,” said the elderly Ogufere. He went down memory lane to recall how late Ibrahim Khalil founded Amukpe All Stars that made waves in the Challenge Cup and produced ex-internationals like Sam Opone, Terry Azinge, John Abeke, Akpu Ewerebo, and Macaulay Otire amongst others, with A.J.E Egboko as coach. Khalil also founded Ethiope FC of Sapele that later metamorphosed to New Nigeria Bank FC, with top players like Henry Nwosu, Stephen Keshi, Lawrence Orairo and Co. “I also wish to remind you players and officials of Academy for Stars that former Green Eagle Goalkeeper Peter Fregene was produced through School Sports in Sapele. “We remain proud of exploits of such past Stars from Sapele. Indeed Peter Fregene like Opone went on to represent Nigeria for several years, including being rated the fourth best goalkeeper at the Mexico’ 68 Olympic games. “We are proud that ex-Green Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Fregene is a product of this town and I appeal to you to give us more now. Fregene also played a key role for the nation at Libya’82 Africa Cup of Nations. As far as I’m concerned, Sapele can still produce other top footballers once again,” Ogufere concluded.
Posted on: Tue, 20 Aug 2013 15:36:16 +0000
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