Chikelue Iloenyosi; The Man With A Vision: Two Years Of Administrative Excellence.
By Myckie Chukwuebuka.
There has been that saying that many are called but few are chosen. For anyone who understands the politics of Anambra state at the government level, will understand that the shenanigans akin to the state at the centre is not lost on the football politics itself. Hence, the need to always get it right when electing who will lead the affairs of the round leather game in the state.
For years, as far as the prestige of Anambra state football is concerned, it is safe to say it was unanimously tagged "persona non grata" by interested football stakeholders. With due respect to past leaders, those years were characterised with poor leadership, lack of tangible football development, little or no state FA sponsored or backed tournament, few or less Anambra indigenes mattered in Football at the national level, lack of harmony amongst major football stakeholders in the state and hierarchical struggle and fight among affiliated bodies of the FA like the Coaches Association, Club owners association, Referee council and other affiliated bodies.
Enter July 28, 2022 when all these changed. The NFF Appeal Committee confirmed and returned former Nigerian International Chikelue Iloenyosi aka "General" as the new FA Chairman of Anambra state after the political shenanigans of 2020 that produced no Chairman for the state for two years. The news was received with huge commendation and little condemnation for the NFF. Spurred by the commendation and not deterred by the condemnation, Iloenyosi first statement was "I am here for everybody, lets take football development in the state to the next level. Together, we can all succeed."
He got his beak wet immediately without wasting time. He reshuffled few things and results started showing. For avoidance of doubt and necessarily not to bore anyone, some, not all, of his major achievements will be highlighted.
1 *Peace and Harmony Amongst Stakeholders.*
When you speak with Gen Chikelue Iloenyosi, he will tell you that this ranks as his foremost achievements. He was able to get literally everybody on the same page. For football development to be sustained at all levels and corners in the state, there has to be harmony amongst football stakeholders representing different groups affiliated with the FA. He put to bed the leadership and structural struggles of this affiliated bodies.
2 *Attracted Many State FA Sponsored or Backed Tournament.*
This is key in making Anambra State arable ground for football talent discovery and harvest. Since he came on, there has been over 100 state FA sponsored or backed tournament of which the Anambra All Stars Tournament, The Chairman's Cup, The Repackaged NEROS Anambra FA Cup, The Solution Community Shield, The Brain Box Sports Tournament, U-13/15/17 tournaments among others, are the flag bearers of these numerous tournaments. Get Real Sapphire into Anambra Football. These weren't the case in the time past. The state is bubbling with footballing activities now.
3 *The Unveiling Of the Anambra Grassroot Football Development Plan.*
8th of October will always remain relevant under Iloenyosi administration. On this day, he unveiled his plans for football development in the state. A blueprint he has followed all these while. The event was even more remarkable as over 1000 kids, from all nooks and crannies of the state, were given footballs and other playing items to aid their football development.
4 *Special Care For Ex Football (Even The Late Ones).*
It is important that this is mentioned now. This is the first time that an Ex Player will take charge of the affairs of football in the state. So it only makes sense that the welfare of those who served the country and made the state proud in their prime are well taken care of. At least 15 ailing Ex International from the state, have received medical grants from the Iloenyosi led FA plus other supporting gift items. Iloenyosi in his wisdom, organised the first-ever "Commemorative Requiem Mass" to remember late footballers and athletes alike who made the state proud in the time past. An event that got kudos from the state government.
5 *Training of Coaches.*
For the gospel of grassroots development to be accomplished, the preachers of this truth (The Coaches) must be given the necessary training. If Coaches are not sound, we will produce half-baked players as finish qualities. Since General came into power, the FA through him, has sponsored some Anambra state coaches to many courses in different centres across the country and helped in attracting some coaching courses to the state as well. The FA also oversaw a successful elective congress of the Football Coaches Association of which the new leadership led by Obi Muoneke has been diligent in its responsibility.
6 *Making Anambra State An Attractive Hub For Football Experience.*
This is key. Before Iloenyosi came in, many football "bystanders" had a perspective about football in the state which was nothing to write home about. As soon as Iloenyosi assumed office that aura and vibe about Anambra football changed. The state started getting recognition with the NFF. Many NFF backed programs were brought here majorly of which many high profile games in the President Federation Cup both men and women were brought to the Awka City Stadium. These had huge positive economic impact and return to the state coffers.
7 *Huge Backing To Two Top State Teams and Others.*
Edel Football Club Awka previously known as Nnewi United enjoyed a proper working synergy with the Anambra FA of Gen Chikelue Iloenyosi. General helped with the formation of Solution FC of Awka and his FA has a viable working relationship with the team as well. His support is not lost on other teams playing in the lower divisions as his fatherly advise and guidance has helped them so far.
8 *Tremendous Support For Female Football.*
When he assumed office, there wasn't much noise about female football. Only two recognised female teams existing. Two Years down the line, 5 female football teams are affiliated with the FA as more are expected soon. His drive for football development for women is commendable. Next month being August, Awka, the state capital, will host the South East Women Tournament of which 18 teams will participate and 5 of which are from the state. A tournament he helped to attract and his FA has supported. The economic value of this tournament will be huge as well. He made serious case for women to be captured in prize money for the state FA cup which the sponsor, NEROS Pharmaceuticals, has approved.
9 *Elevation/ Recongnition of Anambra Indigenes At National Level.*
His coming has tallied with appointments and recognitions of some Anambra indigenes with the NFF and league bodies. This is not a coincidence. His influence in Nigeria football is huge. Barr. JBC Obikwelu, a seasoned football administrator by his own right was appointed as the Chairman of NFF Disciplinary Committee. Many Anambra born and raised individuals have been appointed Match Commissioners in the Apex league (male and female) of the country and lower leagues as well. It is on record that the President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau spent his December 31st/new year here in Anambra state. This is remarkable as this easily wasn't the case in the time past.
10 *Numerous Awards To Back These Achievements.*
Gen Chikelue Iloenyosi is a goal getter. For all these enumerated above and the ones not mentioned, there are so many awards and recognition to back them. He has been nominated and won over 20 individual awards because of his stewardship of football in Anambra State. Many times won the FA Chairman of the year, the Sports Administrator of the year, the Sports Personality of the year among other categories. All these were given by reputable organisations and Associations.
The Iloenyosi led administrative train is moving stronger than ever. It has to be mentioned that these were a collective effort of those behind the scene like the entire board members of ANSFA, the staff of the Secretariat and other different affiliated bodies of the FA.
The goal of making Anambra football better than what it was yesterday is a collective effort. 2 years gone so pacey, we expect more years of sustained administrative prowess and excellence. Happy 2 years anniversary as the FA Chairman of Anambra State, the Capacity Chairman himself, Gen Chikelue Iloenyosi.
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