Tag Archives: Cletus Itodo

Wonder Goal: Eze Dedicates Award To Family, Laud LMC

LMC

Family and friends of Enugu Rangers International FC Player, Emeka Eze joined him on the occasion of the presentation of the Glo Premier League Wonder Goal Award at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium at which he thanked the family for supporting his career and the League Management Company (LMC) for innovations in the league.

Eze’s goal against Kano Pillars on Match Day 5 had secured 51.6% of the voting by fans to beat Sunshine Star’s Cletus Itodo whose goal for Abia Warriors against Enyimba International got 41.9% of the votes. The third nominee, Chikatara Chisom also of Abia Warriors had 6.5% of the votes.

Emeka Ezeh receiving Award Plaque from Hon. Festus Onuh, Chairman, Enugu State House of Assembly Committee on Sports and watched by former Rangers and Eagles captain, Christian Chukwu and Match Commissioner, Aminu Jafaru
Emeka Ezeh receiving Award Plaque from Hon. Festus Onuh, Chairman, Enugu State House of Assembly Committee on Sports and watched by former Rangers and Eagles captain, Christian Chukwu and Match Commissioner, Aminu Jafaru

Eze received the award prize money and plaque of honour from former national team captain, Christian Chukwu and said he was dedicating it to his family members, especially the parents who supported him through school and in building a football career.

“I come from a family of sports people…my father is a retired Referee, my mother won medals in Athletics at the National Sports Festival in Ilorin while my sister is very active in volleyball and my only brother is showing potentials to do better than I have done so far. They are the source of my strength and motivation to succeed”, Eze stated in a voice that was calm but emotional.

The player who will be 22 in December and a graduate of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) with a degree in Management Science is undergoing the compulsory National Youth Service Corps scheme at Rangers.

Eze was signed over to Rangers International from an Enugu-based academy, FC Inter Academy four seasons ago and he also expressed appreciation to the Management of Rangers International for accommodating his academics with the job.

“Rangers Management have been very supportive, permitting to face school when the time arises and accepting to have me perform my national service”, remarked the player who captained the Flying Antelopes on the day.

While announcing that the Red Cross Society Motherless Babies Home, Enugu as his chosen Charity to donate 50% of his prize money, Eze commended the League Management Company (LMC) for instituting the award.

Former Rangers and Eagles captain, Christian Chukwu (left) presenting the symbolic prize Cheque to Emeka Eze.
Former Rangers and Eagles captain, Christian Chukwu (left) presenting the symbolic prize Cheque to Emeka Eze.

“This is the first big and national award I will ever win and it means so much to me and the entire family because it shows that the encouragement they have provided is yielding dividends. My appreciation goes to the LMC for this award and I commend them for all the innovations that has been introduced in the league”, asserted the defensive midfield player.

He is the second to win the award after his Rangers team mate, Osaguona Ighodaro who won the inaugural award.

Edo, Udoh are LBA winners for March

Akwa United defender, Nnamso Edo and his coach, Patrick Udoh, have been named the League Bloggers Awards (LBA) Player and Manager respectively for the month of March.

Both men were outstanding in the month under review in the Glo Premier League and ensured The Promise Keepers, as Akwa United are also known, finished top of the standings at the end of March.

Captain of Akwa United, Edo, claimed the LBA Player for March on the strength of appearing in all four matches for his club last month and scoring three goals including a stunning free kick at Nasarawa United that secured a point for his team.

Edo also accounted for 2.33 goals of the seven scored by Akwa United in March.

His defensive qualities were also never in doubt, as he led from the back as well and made sure they shipped in just twice in five matches.

Further goals from Edo also helped his team get wins over Gombe United and Kaduna United in home games, as he staved off the challenge of Sunshine Stars goalkeeper, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Ifeanyi Inyam of Sharks, Ifeanyi Egwim of Dolphins and Cletus Itodo of Abia Warriors.

Udoh bagged the LBA Manager for March for guiding Akwa United to an unbeaten finish in five league games last month and ensured they ended the month under review on eight points, one more than Sharks.

Udoh deservedly picks up the manager’s award for March ahead of Gbenga Ogunbote of Sharks, Ladan Bosso of Abia Warriors, Ndubuisi Nduka of FC Taraba and Richard Bubagha of Bayelsa United.

Edo and Udoh will be presented with their awards for March by the LBA later this month.