Anambra Govt Assures On Improved Sports Facilities

The Anambra State Commissioner for Sports, Chinwe Anowai, has assured of the government’s commitment to providing world-class facilities at the state’s stadia in order to boost sports development.

Anowai gave the assurance at the weekend at the Chuba Ikpeazu Memorial Stadium, Onitsha, during the finals of the state’s Football Association (FA) Competition between Anambra Pillars FC, Onitsha, and Anambra United FC, Onitsha.

“Anambra State government will continue to show its concern for sports development and youth empowerment by making sure our youths are given the best facilities to train with and achieve their set ambitions.

“The FA competition, our preparations for national and international meets, as well as the National Sports Festival will continue to receive prompt and adequate attention even as we make sure necessary facilities are provided to give our athletes the edge in any competition,’’ she said.

Meanwhile, the FA finals match between Anambra Pillars and Anambra United ended 1 – 0 in favour of Anambra Pillars after a fierce battle and a controversial penalty kick, which was awarded to Anambra Pillars in the 53rd minute of play.

Pillar’s Esomchukwu Izuchukwu converted the penalty kick after disagreement over the centre referees decision on the penalty was settled.

Also, in the third place match, Gabros International FC, Nnewi defeated Ecomog FC by 4 – 1.

Osita Unachukwu, Secretary of Anambra Pillars FC, said that their victory was anticipated as the club had prepared hard for the match, adding that they would go ahead to win the cup the third consecutive time next year.

“I do not see the penalty as controversial as the centre referee took the decision as the driver of the match and an experience hand in officiating; while our opponent could not equalize the goal throughout the 2nd half,’’ Unachukwu said.

Rolanson Odeh, Coach of Anambra United FC, said that the match was marred by poor officiating; while contending that his team had upper hand in the match going by available statistics.

“I can tell you that we were robbed of the FA cup by the attitude of the centre referee; if not I can tell you that my boys did their best and played according to instructions,’’ he said.

Efforts to get the centre referee and other officials of the match to comment on the developments was not successful as they were protected by policemen due to the tense security situation ensued after the match.

Pillars went home with the cup and N2 million cheque; United got N1 million; Gabros International was given N500,000 and Ecomog FC was encouraged with N100,000.

The cash awards was provided by Neros Pharmaceuticals Limited, sponsors of the competition for three consecutive years.