Henry Nwosu Cup: Nigerian Legend Stands With Committee's Decision As NFF Axe Falls On Okpuala Team

Joseph ODOEKWU

Former Green Eagles player Henry Nwosu has backed the Naze Football Federation (NFF) as the Central committee which is in charge of organizing the ongoing Henry Nwosu Cup 2024 recorded its first casualty following a disciplinary issue which erupted on Match Day 3.

Nwosu, who was physically present on Sunday at the Naze Secondary School to watch the match day 3 fixtures between Umuosu and Okpuala was disappointed upon arrival when he found out that the match could not hold as Okpuala players walked out on the field after the NFF told them to adhere strictly with pending disciplinary measures melted on one of their players.

While probing to get the full details on why the match did not hold, the former Green Eagles player, who paid rapt attention to the committee after they explained the circumstances that made the scheduled match not hold stated afterwards that he would back the committee in their decision.

“I stand with your decision and I cannot be biased” Nwosu started. “The interest of the game is key and any disciplinary measure taken on any player or village that does not obey the rules of this competition is welcomed”

“I may come from one of the six villages taking part in the Henry Nwosu Cup but I stand firmly with the central committee and not for my village for the sake of the competition” Nwosu further added.  “That is why I have declined several invitations sent to me to coach my village team in this competition”.

Nwosu, who reminded members of the committee again that Football is what his life has lived on actually came prepared to watch the match that was to take place on Sunday evening irrespective of the teams playing but was sad that an ugly incident had impeded the free-flow of the event.

He further stated that he would be available for subsequent matches and would also love to play in the All Stars match scheduled to hold on December 30, 2024 but recent health issue which led to surgery may not allow him.

*What Actually Transpired That Led to disciplinary case?*

Three players playing for the Naze central football team who represented Naze in the last edition of the Anambra-Imo River Basin football competition were found guilty of misconduct by the Naze Football Federation and were told to write a letter of apology and must physically meet with the NFF to tender their apology before a date given as deadline.

The three players Raphael Merenini (Umuezuo), Chukwudi Chiaka (Umourie) and goalkeeper Augustine Eke (Okpuala) swore that they would not comply with the decision of the Committee. They were bent on uniting to fight a constituted body duly recognized by Naze community.

After several considerations and consultations at their various villages, the duo of Raphael Merenini and Chukwudi Chiaka reviewed their stance and complied. They wrote their letters of apology and physically made themselves available before the committee so they can be absolved of the charges leveled against them and be free to play in the Henry Nwosu Cup. In fact, Chukudi Chiaka came with an emissary to make his appeal on the appointed day he came to apologize.

However, goalkeeper Augustine Eke called the bluff of the Committee and insisted that he was not going to apologize. To make matter worse, he was fielded in the line-up in their match against Umuosu and that caused a protest before the match and officials insisted that he should leave the field before the match could continue.

The request of the match officials and commissioner met deaf ears as Augustine Eke and his teammates refused to comply. In fact, the centre referee and his assistants used their discretion to give them additional time to enable them review their early decision, but nothing came out of it.

Rather, they chose to walk out of the field and by extension making it impossible for the match to continue and by this act aggravating the situation. The committee met afterwards and took a decision.

*What does This mean for Okpuala?*

With the situation on ground Okpuala will now be suspended from the entire competition as this shows that they have exhibited high level of indiscipline.

Furthermore, a fine of about One Hundred Thousand Naira (N100,000) will be placed on Okpuala for walking out of the field with a further review of the situation which will be communicated in due course.

*Who Will Benefit From Okpuala’s Sanction?*

No doubt, Umuosu who were supposed to play with Okpuala in match day 3 clash were the immediate beneficiaries. After losing in their opener by 2-0 to Umuorie, Umuosu now smiled home with 3 points and 3 goals as Okpuala were officially walked over in the game.

Umuosu who needed a victory in that game and eventually got it have now reached the semifinal with 3 points from two matches after losing one game.

The walkover also means Umuorie who have a later date with Okpuala on 24th of December will now cruise to the semifinal with six points having secured a win in their opener against Umuosu.

They finish top of the group and will be at advantage as they are likely to play a lesser strong side in the semifinal game on the 28th of December, 2024.