A South Africa –based sports philanthropist, Ephariam Onodu, on Monday commended Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State for sponsoring a football championship for secondary schools in the state.

Onodu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on telephone from Johannesburg, South Africa, that the governor`s gesture would help boost sports development in the state.

“This is the first time in many years that secondary schools in Enugu state will compete with each other.

“As expected, many talents will be discovered from the championship. It is good for the state and Nigeria because outstanding players will be discovered and selected to represent the state and the country.

“I salute the governor for the decision to sponsor this championship,” he said.

Onodu, who sponsors the annual veteran football tournament between Coal City Stars based in South Africa and ex-international soccer stars in the country, said that Enugu State is blessed with abundant talents in all games.

He called on philanthropists and corporate organisations to also sponsor other games to develop sports in the state.

The governor, he said, had set the pace for others to follow, stressing that the state would be agog all year round if other games get the desired sponsorship.

Onodu further commended the governor for providing funds to enable Rangers International FC play in the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL).

“It is on record that under Gov. Ugwuanyi, Rangers won the league after 22 years and have continued to do well in the NPFL. Enugu people in South Africa salute the governor for sponsoring sports. The state will benefit from these investment initiatives in future,’’ Onodu added. (NAN)

– Mar. 5, 2018 @ 13:50 GMT |