….Recalls Dad’s Memories
In line with the promise to partner Elkanah Onyeali Care Foundation EOCF, in actualizing the dreams of one of their greats, Tranmere Rovers FC, England last Friday hosted the President/CEO of Elkanah Onyeali FC Academy. Rtn Obidinma Onyeali (KSC).
The son of Tranmere Rovers’ first black player, visited Prenton Park, home ground of Tranmere in Birkenhead England from Nigeria for a stadium tour ahead of his invitational visit for the weekend’s match at Prenton Park against Newport County.
Back in October during Black History Month, Tranmere Rovers In the Community partnered with the Elkanah Onyeali Care Foundation, set up by Rtn Obidinma in his father’s name, which helps young Nigerian players have a career in football.
Elkanah was one of the first Nigerians to play professional football in Britain and scored nine goals in his 16 appearances for Rovers after joining in 1960.
“Obidinma said that it was the last wish of his father to be celebrated by Tranmere Rovers, and was delighted to hear from us back in October regarding the partnership.
“We sent Rovers shirts over to Nigeria for the winners of the foundation’s annual football tournament, and are delighted to welcome the foundation’s president and Elkanah’s son to Prenton Park for the weekends game all the way from Nigeria.
“Elkanah faced Newport County in one of his 16 Rovers games during the 1960-61 season, so Obidinma is happy to be able to attend the same fixture his father played in.
Obidinma said: “I’m so excited and emotional. It’s a historic moment for me and my family.
“My father would be so proud. He never stopped talking about Tranmere Rovers and his teammates.”
“Our dream in Elkanah Onyeali Care Foundation EOCF, is to transfer the virtues of my late Dad to the young talents who want to become useful to themselves, their families and the society at large.
Rtn Obidinma attended the league 2 encounter over the weekend between his late father’s former club, Tranmere Rovers and Newport County live, having a first hand experience of what it feels to support the Tranmere which he noted would be invaluable to the young talents in the foundations football academy, Elkanah Onyeali FC Academy back home in Nigeria.
Obidinma is grateful to Tom Clarke ,media personnel of TRIC ,the Chairman of Tranmere Mark Palios ,the wife Nicola ,the fans of Tranmere who gave him audience to talk to them and above all Tranmere Rovers In particular for a warm welcome over to Tranmere.
