Football Dwindling In Imo, FA Boss, Dike Laments, As State NRA Holds AGM In Grand Style

 By Innocent Osuoha

      

   

The Imo Football Referees Council over the weekend held her 2024 Annual General Meeting with delegates from almost all the LGAs in attendance.

       

Declaring the Conference open, at the Imo FA Office, Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, the Imo FA Chairman, Barr Ifeanyi Dike lamented that football  in Imo State was drastically dwindling as a result of compromise and mediocres who handle football affairs adding that such a situation was affecting the State badly.

      

In his words, " I want us to regain our lost glory. I have had a parley  with Coaches in the State and now Referees all in a bid for the State to regain her pride of place in sports especially football.

       

While describing good refereeing as the beauty of any competition, Barr Dike  urged Referees, especially in soccer, to consider their integrity in all spheres of their officiating and  assured them of a cordial relation with the Imo FA.

       

In his welcome address, the Chairman Imo Football Referees, Mr Chrisantus Okoro said his Association has cemented all strained relationships with the parent body, Imo FA, and assured that all bi-lateral relationship would be sustained.

      

He spoke of some of his achievements so far which included refurbishing the Association's office as well as procuring a  projector to aid the development of young Referees.

       

Mr Okoro congratulated the NFA  Deputy President and one of their own, Mr Kelechi Mejuobi on his election into the Imo FA Board as well as subsequent appointment as the Chairman, Referees Development Committee.

         

In his goodwill message, the Chairman, Imo SWAN,  Chief Everest Ezihe congratulated the Referees and urged them not to undermine their integrity while officiating adding that as critical stakeholders Imo SWAN would always partner the Referees Association.

      

Delegates from Owerri Municipal, Owerri North, Owerri West, Ikeduru, Mbaitoli, Ehime Mbano, Isiala Mbano, Aboh Mbaise, Ahiazu Mbaise and Ngor Okpala LGAs attended the Conference.

     

Highlight on the occasion was the ceremonial opening of the Referees office within FA complex   and commissioning of the projector by Barr Ifeanyi Dike.