Iloenyosi endorses FCT Correspondents Chapel football tournament

Former Super Eagles defender, Chikelue Iloenyosi has endorsed the football tournament of the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council.

Iloenyosi, who is the current Chairman of Anambra State Football Association, was a member of Nigeria’s team to the FIFA U20 World Cup on home soil in 1999.

Popularly known as The General, Iloenyosi endorsed the NUJ FCT Correspondents Chapel football tournament in Abuja on Friday when executives and members of the Chapel led by Chairman Jide Oyekunle paid him a courtesy visit.

Speaking during the visit, the Anambra FA Chairman disclosed he does not joke with journalists, and that he is excited about the prospect of the football tournament.

“I do not joke with journalists. I am very happy that the NUJ FCT Correspondents Chapel deemed me fit as the ambassador of the football tournament.

“I am excited about the prospect of the football tournament, which I learnt is to strengthen the relationship among participating organisations. I fully endorse the tournament,” Iloenyosi said.

Earlier, Chairman of NUJ FCT Correspondents Chapel had disclosed that the visit was to express gratitude and sincere appreciation to the former Super Eagles defender for accepting the request to be the ambassador and the face of the tournament.

Comrade Oyekunle informed Iloenyosi that the football tournament will hold between July 11th and 13th, 2024 and that the draws for the tournament will take place on June 18th, when the Anambra FA Chairman would be unveiled officially as the ambassador of the tournament.

“We are here to express our gratitude and sincere appreciation to you for accepting our request to be the ambassador and the face of our tournament.

“Your contribution to sports development within and outside the country will continue to be a reference point. We consider your positive disposition to our request as honour and privilege. We do not take it for granted but with gratitude,” Oyekunle said.

Speaking on the essence of the football tournament, the NUJ FCT Correspondents Chapel Chairman said it is to strengthen the friendly relationship among the participating organisations through football.

Oyekunle listed the participating organisations to include: Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Federal High Court (FHC) and Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).

Others he said are: National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), National Orientation Agency (NOA), Sports Writer Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), Nigeria Immigration Service ( NIS) and Correspondents Chapel football team and amongst others.

Oyekunle said: “The 3-day tournament will be held at the Area 10 football field by Old Parade Ground. It is aimed at providing avenues for journalists and security agencies and government organisations to come together as one family with the aim of strengthening friendly relationships through football.

“Sport does not have a language. Sport is an integral activity that unites the people and has the power to change the world irrespective of religion, ethnic and political background.

“Football makes people forget their differences because it is a unifying factor. It heals wounds and bonds people together.

“This is our own little way of contributing and lending our voice to national unity, peace and harmony.

“As a media friendly football legend in the country,  you have been a role model in your chosen career for the younger generation.

“Your exceptional and invaluable contributions towards sports development within and outside the country will continue to be a reference point in the annals of history.

“You have impacted so many lives through your humanitarian programmes and projects and this kind gesture will continue to resonate and never go unnoticed.

“It is my pleasure to also inform you that the formal unveiling as ambassador will come up on Tuesday June 18th by 12 pm at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel Abuja during the Pre Tournament Press Conference and draw.

“As Ambassador you will also help to supervise the draw which will be attended by the sports enthusiasts, dignitaries, the representatives and team leaders of the participating organisations.

Highlight of the visit was the presentation of a gigantic thank you card to the former Super Eagles defender. The NUJ FCT Correspondents Chapel football tournament is in its 2nd Edition.