Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has assured that his administration will provide the needed support that will enable Enyimba Football Club of Aba to excel in Africa and win the CAF Champions League.
Otti stated this at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Umuahia, during a reception and hosting of Enyimba Football Club of Aba and their management team, organised by the Abia State Government, to celebrate the team for the feat recorded in wining the Nigerian National Premier League.
He used the forum to announced the preparedness of his administration to renovate the Enyimba Stadium to make it fit for the team to play their home matches during the Confederation of African Football Federation (CAF), Champions League competitions.
The Governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Engineer Ikechukwu Emetu, sympathised with the players over their unpaid three months’ salaries by the past administration and assured that as a responsible government that believes that the labourer deserves his wages, the matter would be resolved as quickly as possible.
Otti then told the players and the management team of Enyimba football club that he has instructed that the process of defraying the outstanding salaries be commenced without delay.
He commended the football club for making not only the government and people of Abia proud, but for making Nigeria proud as they will be representing the country in the Champions League next season.
Otti also disclosed that government will get more players to prepare the team for the tournament baring in mind that they will be facing more sophisticated teams from North Africa.
The Governor, while thanking the coaching crew headed by Nigeria’s veteran footballer, Mr Finidi George, and the immediate past Board Chairman of the Club, Mr Felix Anyansi Agwu, for leading the players to achieve victory, as well as appreciate the country’s football champion, Mr Kanu Nwankwo, for his offer to provide support to the growth of the sporting industry in the State.
In his remarks, the Speaker, Abia State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, while encouraging the team for being resolute in their winning strides, assured that their worst days are over as the present administration will breath new lease of life into the Club and urged the management to remain focused in their resolve to channel the football Club to success.
Speaking earlier, the SSA to the Governor on Sports, Mr Chinedu Ekeke, extolled Governor Otti for his commitment in sponsoring Enyimba Football Club Aba to the tournament and the players for their gallantry in winning the trophy at the just concluded Nigerian Premier League competition.
Responding on behalf of the team, the Coach of Enyimba Football Club, Aba, Finidi George, acknowledged all that the Governor did in encouraging and supporting them, which led to their excellent performance and bringing back the trophy to Abia State and assured that they will not take govermnent’s support for granted, but will do their best to win more laurels for the state.
