BY SAB OSUJI

Anthony Nnamdi Atuegwu, Proprietor and sole financier of A&A Kiviasennus Football Club, Lagos, has told Exclusivenews.com.ng he would stop at 'absolutely nothing' in his avowed determination and commitment to restore the football glory of Nnewi.

The Finland based Football freak insisted that he's taken practical and pragmatic steps towards achieving this dream, founding a club, 'Mini Post Club', at his Uruagu home town, Nnewi.

He's worried that Nnewi, which produced the likes of (late) Coach Christopher Udemezue, who is on record as being the first coach to qualify Nigeria for the FIFA U20 World Cup in Mexico '83 and won their opening group match, appears to have taken a 'saddening back seat'.

"Yes, Nnewi used to be known as producing great footballers as you rightly pointed out. That's what I've come to restore, the Pride and glory of Nnewi football", starts the fair-skinned former left-footed dazzler.

"It's not about the players career. It has to do with their lives. I love touching people's lives, especially the youth.

"That's the area I sow my own seed by touching people's lives. I believe that the more I help, the more God blesses me".

Atuegwu would go on to reveal that so far, a number of players from the industrial hub of West Africa have benefitted from his gesture and are now playing football outside of the country with many more on the verge of departure to foreign leagues.

"At the moment, we've Nnamdi playing in Egypt. One is in Russia and the other in Hungary.

"There are three others whose travel documents are ready and would travel out, say by Monday. I'm always happy touching the lives of these youth, my people", he said.

Atuegwu disclosed that his inspiration and motivation stemmed from the fact that he was once a footballer.

"My football career started when I was in primary school at Zik's Avenue Primary School, Fegge, Onitsha.

"I'm a natural left footer during my active days.I went on to play in Burkina Faso, Switzerland, Germany and ended up in Finland. So, that's when and where the passion started".

The A&A Kiviasennus boss paid tribute to his senior brother and uncle who helped him move abroad after a brief business life at home, Nnewi.

He sees himself as a 'prophet recognised by his people' and disclosed that he is always at home with his people.

"I'm a home boy, always at home every year and comfortable with my people. I love it so much".

On 5 January 2024, the interlocking expert unveiled his multi-million naira country home in his Uruagu Nnewi village, Anambra State.

He also revealed plans to construct a mini astro turf pitch in Nnewi.

He went on to add that he will nurture his Nnewi based club, Mini Post Club, Uruagu Nnewi to top level.