Amb Ogbonna Celebrates Gov Uzodimma On Birthday, As Imo Excos Beat Lawmakers From Behind

Imo State Executive on Wednesday Rallied from behind to a thrilling 3-2 comeback Victory Over Imo Lawmakers in Birthday Novelty match for Governor Hope Odidika Uzodimma "Onwa Oyoko"

It was indeed a day of exciting skills, endless banter, and rib-cracking moments as the Imo State Government’s Executive Arm mounted an epic comeback to defeat the Legislative Arm 3-2 in a novelty match celebrating Governor Hope Uzodimma’s birthday, the Statesman Newspaper sports desk can exclusively report. 

The game, held on December 11 at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, had fans roaring with laughter as government officials swapped suits for jerseys and proved that politics isn’t the only arena where drama thrives.

The contest, which could rival any World Cup final for sheer entertainment, started with the lawmakers captained by Hon Olemgbe the speaker of the house, storming the pitch like lions on a hunt. Within just five minutes, Commissioner for Youths, Mandela Ukaegbu, became the day’s unfortunate headline when he sliced a loose cross into his own net, gifting the lawmakers an early lead. Ukaegbu might have been aiming for a clearance, but the execution screamed “Comedy of Errors.”

Barely had the Executives regrouped when the Mbaitoli Lawmaker, Hon. Innocent Ikpeamezie, channeled his inner Lionel Messi. Gliding through the midfield like a gazelle, he left defender Sokom on the turf and unleashed a sizzling strike to make it 2-0. Ikpeamezie’s celebration, reminiscent of a samba dance, left the crowd in stitches.

The Executives, looking like a team still stuck in pre-match speeches, struggled to respond. Their best chance came when Henry Okafor launched a thunderous volley that the lawmakers’ goalkeeper accidentally blocked – more out of self-preservation than skill.

According to the Statesman newspaper correspondent, The second half was a different story. The Executives, clearly inspired by halftime pep talks by the on field captain, Hon Nnamdi Anyaeihe, the Imo state government Chief of staff, stormed back into contention. Prince Kizito Nwokeji began the revival, poaching a rebound in the box to make it 2-1. The momentum shifted, and it was game on!

Enter Rex Anonubi, a.k.a. Sokom, who turned from a stumbling defender to a dazzling forward. Charging into the lawmakers’ box like a train without brakes, he hammered home the equalizer. At this point, the Executives were dancing to their own tune.

With five minutes left on the clock, Ken Ozurumba played the hero. The winger sliced through the lawmakers’ defense and tucked in the winning goal, completing an epic comeback to seal the 3-2 victory. The stadium erupted in cheers as Ozurumba sprinted to the sideline, celebrating like he’d won the UEFA Champions League.

In his post-match speech, the Chairman of the Imo Sports Commission and event host, Ambassador Prince Eliazar Ogbonna, praised Governor Uzodimma for his dedication to public service. “Today, we celebrate a man of resilience, vision, and passion for our state. Let this thrilling match remind us of the unity and progress His Excellency has championed. Cheers to many more glorious years!”

As the final whistle blew, it was clear that football, humor, and camaraderie had scored the biggest goals of the day. Governor Hope Uzodimma’s birthday celebration will not only be remembered for the cakes but for the banter, goals, and gaffes that stole the show.

The Statesman newspaper sports desk Man of the Match  was Mandela Ukaegbu – for proving that even own goals can win hearts and who inspired a come back with countless attacking drives.