Bishop Nwokolo Reiterates Commitment to Raising Leaders through Football, others

By Praise Chinecherem

Bishop on the Niger, Rt. Rev. Dr. Owen Nwokolo has reiterated the Diocese’s preparedness in raising leaders in education, politics, entertainment, football and other spheres of human endeavors.

The Bishop gave the assurance at the first phase of the Bishop Owen Nwokolo Soccer Tournament, 2025 held on Saturday at the Cathedral Sports Complex, Onitsha, Anambra State.

He said training people, especially the youths in various areas of life has become necessary to ensure they dominated their environment for Christ.

Commending the boys for what he described as their “very wonderful and encouraging performance”, the Prelate explained why he established the
Bishop Owen Nwokolo Football Academy (BONFA) and its accompanying tournaments.

“The Bishop Owen Nwokolo Football Academy (BONFA) was founded to help our youth to develop their skills, especially in the area of sports, football, in particular.

“You know that we train people in various areas of life because we have to dominate our environment for Christ.

“We’re raising leaders in all spheres: education, politics, entertainment, and yes, football. Clubs from Spain, England, and beyond are already eyeing our boys”, he stated.

Sponsor of the tournament, Barr Rob Izuchukwu expressed joy over outstanding performances of the boys who displayed their soccer skills.

He pledged his resolve to train some of them overseas as well as find viable clubs for them there, just as he scouted about 8 players from the lot for immediate training abroad.

Izuchukwu encouraged the rest not to despair, promising that the selection would stretch till end of the year.

Earlier, BONFA’s Under-15 squad had defeated their U-13 counterparts 1-0 in a 40-minute match through a penalty shootout.

Also, the team labelled, “Selected 11” defeated the BONFA in a 1-0 battle through a lone strike from Emmanuel Junior just outside the 18-yard box in the first half.

Highpoints of the event were presentation of trophies and various cash prizes to champions among archdeaconries of the diocese which produced the “Selected Team”.

The Cathedral, Omagba, and Nkpor Archdeaconries clinched first, second and third places, respectively for their efforts in training the boys.

The first batch of the 8 selected players by the scout were: Ikem Okiwe, Ifeanyi Igwe, and Prince Clement, while the second batch included; Junior Emmanuel, Akagha Okorie, Ùgwù Chinonso, Balogun Samson and Chibuzo Chukwu.

Seven of the players that received boots were: Okoro Ebube, Nweke Emeka, Eze Dịvine, Okonkwo Chiemelie, Chukwuemeka Chidubem, Uzowuru Chigamezu and Balogun Samson.

The three referees that officiated at the tournament: Augustine Ezebulie assisted by Ogboli Nnamdi and Asonta Ogonna were highly commended by the bishop and Barr Izuchukwu for performing what they termed “undisputed professional assignment”.

Players, coaches, and dignitaries glamorously walked away with medals, trophies, cash prizes, and shiny new boots from the Bishop and sponsor of the tournament.