By Ikenna Nwokedi 

The upcoming Amalukwue Football Competition for Akwaeze Community domiciled in Anaocha LGA of Anambra State is a platform for the teeming youths of the community to discover and showcase their footballing skills to the state and the country at large.

These were the assertions of the competition sponsor, Nze Mmaduaburochukwu Benjamin Onyeka Amalukwue fondly known as 'Gentle Professor' during an interview session with sports writers in Awka.

Nze Amalukwue stated that the upcoming football championship will unify the villages in Akwaeze and provide a platform for the youths of the community to engage in competitive football which is a million dollar industry. He offered that the competition is also an avenue to engage the youths during the festive period, explore their talents and as well serve as a source of converge and entertainment for Akwaeze indigenes and beyond.

Nze Amalukwue said: "The essence of this football competition in Akwaeze Community tagged 'Amalukwue Football Competition' is to unify the six villages and provide a platform for the youths of my community to showcase their skills and potentials in sports through football which is a universal game loved and followed by many.

"I was a great footballer during my youthful days and I must confess that we had limited or no opportunities like this to showcase our talents to the world. That is why I stepped in when Akwaeze Sports Committee approached me to host this competition for the second time after I hosted it in 2015," Amalukwue stated.

Nze Amalukwue informed that the competition has come to stay and will be an annual program in the community while also disclosing that he intends to host the competition at the local government level where all the communities domiciled within Anaocha LGA can compete for honours. He admonished the youths of the community to be disciplined, focused and dedicated as well as being patient as some of the virtues needed for them to excel in their field of endeavour.

The 10-day football fiesta which will hold from December 26th, 2024 to January 4th, 2025 will see the eventual winner smiling home with the sum of N1million while the second placed team will go home with the sum of N500,000.

There are consolation prizes and individual awards for the Most Valuable Player (MVP), Highest Goal Scorer, Best Goalkeeper and Best Behaved team.