Sports Commission Boss, Prince Ogbonna Lauds Silver Medal Winning Imo Indigenes @ AFCON

..Assures Govt Will Honour Super Eagles Stars

The AFCON in Cote D'Ivoire may have been won and lost but the heroic performance of the Super Eagles has continued to attract commendations and recognitions including those of Imo indigenes.

Following the Spirited performance of Super Eagles in Cote D'Ivoire where they posted resilience and hunger for success, the Imo State Sports Commission Chairman, Prince Sir Eleazar Onyewuchi Ogbonna "Ambassador" has commended the nations senior male football team especially the Imo State born players and officials of the team.

Prince Ogbonna who narrowly missed the final where the Super Eagles lost to the host team to emerge second best in the continent, described the Imo indigenes in the team as real Spartans which he noted is what Imo state is noted for particularly in sports.

He recalled that Imo, since it's creation in 1976, has been a dominant state in sports, shunning out great athletes and  stars who are renowned icons including; Dan Anyiam, Elkannah Onyeali, Patrick Ekeji, Ezenwa Brothers, Tony Merenini, Charity Opara, Chioma Ajunwa, Mobi Oparaku, Kelechi Iheancho, Chidiebere Nwakali, Kelechi Nwakali, Lovelyn Obiji, among many others.

"I want to once again commend the Super Eagles for their performance during the recent AFCON and particularly on behalf of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Imo state, Distinguished Senator Hope Odidika Uzodinma "Onwa Oyoko", laud the Imo born indigenes who were part of the team including the players and back room staff for their heroic outing.”

"Their performance is indeed an inspiring and very significant to the mission and vision of Imo State Sports Commission under my watch in line with the 3R/ Shared Prosperity mantra to ensure that sports is truly revived and youths meaningfully engaged in sports with the purpose of empowering them.”

"To recognize and appreciate our heroes for their efforts in projecting Imo positively as worthy Ambassadors my office is closely working with relevant persons to ensure that at the convenient time for His Excellency the great Imolites who did the state and Nigeria proud will be duly hosted in addition to what the President has already done for them alongside the national honours they bagged.”

The players and officials of the Super Eagles Silver winning team who are of Imo state extraction includes;

Onyemaechi Bruno -player. - Isiala MbanoLGA,

Francis Uzoho  - player. - Nwangele LGA,

Onyedika Nwadike Raphael- player. - Nwangele LGA,

Kelechi Iheanacho - player - Ohaji/Egbema LGA,

Paul Onuachu - player ( Ehime -Mbano LGA),

Nnaemeka Anozie. official (Medical) - Alaenyi  Ogwa,  Mbaitolu LGA,

Chidiebere Victor Ngoka  - official ( kitty Manager)- Owerri North LGA.