Former Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Board member and Abia Warriors Football Club Chairman, Pastor Emeka Inyama has described his club as the most structured in the Nigeria Professional Football League. He also said the Umuahia Warriors are more than just a football club.
Inyama in an interview session on one of Nigeria’s foremost sports forum, Family United By Football (FUBF) told journalists more about the plans and blue prints that have made the club a model in the league.
“We have moved the modest club to one that can be reckoned with,” Inyama said. “We are the only club that has remained in the Premier league since 2013, when we first gained promotion. It’s not a mean feat, we have repackaged the club.
“Without sounding immodest we are one of the best structured club here in Nigeria. We have our academy, the team B (youth team) and the main team. Yearly, we have players moving from one stage to the other. We believe in young players. We have about the best, functional secretariat that is online real time with WiFi. As you can attest our social media handles are active.”
The veteran sports journalist cum administrator who is regarded as one of the most innovative football aficinadoes in the country revealed how the club has been able to sustain their status in the very difficult Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
Many modest clubs in the country face a near impossible dilemma pushing for the NPFL, but focusing on the sustainability of the top-tier league might be very difficult because of funding and so many things involved.
“I have always had passion for football and as a child, my parents will always get me a rubber ball to play with around the house,” he told FUBF.
“I was captain of the school team when I was in primary school and was part of the Spartans of Owerri team by 1980, from there moved to Works United of Owerri, where I was also the captain.
“I developed interest in journalism from my secondary school days and it was just natural for me to major in sports.
“Managing a football club in Nigeria can be very hectic and demanding. It’s been quite an experience, sometimes very challenging.