A Lagos-based journalist, Ojeikere Aikhoje, donated the trophy and medals used by the Ebonyi Football Association (FA) for last Sunday’s FA Cup final at the Pa Ngele Oruta Stadium, Abakaliki.

Aikhoje, the Chief Executive Officer of Match Room Sports and Media Ltd, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday that he was motivated to donate the items after reading a report from the agency.

“NAN reported that Ebonyi organised the 2017 edition of the FA Cup without a trophy and medals for winners, losers and referees, a situation that I found appalling.

“When this year’s edition commenced, I went through available statistics, through my checks and monitoring mechanisms, I found out that the state would still organise the 2018 edition without such items.

“I liaised with my colleagues and we decided to assist by donating the trophy and medals to make the players and officials happy and offer their best on the pitch,’’ he said.

The veteran journalist, however, declined to mention the financial implication of the donation, but noted that the primary aim was to motivate the players and officials.

“It is gratifying that winners of this year’s edition: Abia-based Ngwa United FC and runners-up Alter Nite FC of Abakaliki, were happy to receive a trophy and medals at the end of the match.

“Players always anticipate winning trophies and medals after every cup final as obtained in national, continental and international competitions,’’ he said.

He, however, regretted that no personality from Ebonyi has called him to appreciate the donation, but noted that he was not perturbed by the development.

“The FA chairman, commissioner for youth and sports among others, have not called to appreciate the donation, but I know that they are happy with it.

“However, I urge both finalists to redouble their efforts to represent the state equitably in the Federation Cup and they can attract the attention of the national U-17, U-20 and U-23 coaches,’’ he said.

Aikhoje told NAN that he had been covering the FA Cup since it was sponsored by Coca Cola Bottling Company from the 1990’s to 2008, and the national league on Super Sports Television.

“I have continued working on the FA Cup project with Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) since the Coca Cola sponsorship stopped in 2008, and such interest drew my attention to the Ebonyi situation.

“I also manage the Football for Social Change project which encourages footballers to be agents of social change, derive satisfaction in playing the game and achieve their ambition in the sport,” he said.

Meanwhile, Desmond Ome, Secretary of Ebonyi FA, has acknowledged receipt of the items for the state FA Cup final, noting that the association appreciated Aikhoje’s gesture.

“The donation assisted in making this year’s event colourful and successful, making the players and officials happy that they competed in a cup final.

“We urge other well-meaning individuals and organisations to emulate him as the task of developing sports in the state should not be left for the government alone,’’ he said. (NAN)

– Jun 5, 2018 @ 15:55 GMT |