The Imo State Football Association has named Dr Patrick Ekeji, Prof Ken Anugweje, and Kanu Nwankwo as honourary members of the association, in recognition of their achievements in football in Nigeria.
Chairman of the Imo FA, Mazi Amanze Uchegbulam made the disclosure at the end of their first board meeting for 2022.
According to him, the appointment was in compliance with article 24 of the Imo State Football Association statutes.
He said the three new honorary members had distinguished themselves in their football careers and as ambassadors of the nation.
He said their inclusion into the football association enables them to be part of football administration, saying they will add value with their wealth of experience.
He charged them to bring their wealth of experience to the development of the leather game in Imo State.
Ekeji, a former Director General of the Nigeria Sports Commission who is currently serving as Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, was a player, coach, and administrator.
Kanu Nwankwo a former Nigerian international was captain and led the 1996 Olympics team to victory, even as he had a distinguished career in all his football years.
Kanu hails from Abia state, he has lived in Owerri and has business interests in Imo.
While Prof Ken Anugweje is a professor of sports medicine and in the discharge of his duties as the Director of sports at the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers state, he had produced several stars in football and the academia.
He won the Nigerian University Games (NUGA) in 1988, 2004 and produced Davidson Owumi, current Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the League Management Committee.
Ekeji in his acceptance speech, expressed gratitude for the honour, even as he commended the board for the honour, and assured that he will ensure the development of football in the state.
While he noted that Imo had rich history of talents, he expressed hopes that the huge talents in the state will find expression saying Governor Hope Uzodimma is passionate about the improvement of youths.
On his part, Prof Anugweje, a former footballer, and coach said the conferment was an indication that noble contributions are noticed saying it will spur him to do more.
