All is now set for the kickoff of Dr. John Metchie Football Tournament 2024 as 12 teams from the communities in Anambra-East clash for the trophy.

The opening ceremony which will take place at Our Lady Field in Otuocha on 26th December will play host to all football lovers who will relish the game with gusto and enthusiasm while extending hands of friendships in the convivial atmosphere. 

The chief sponsor of the football competition Chief Amb. Dr. John Metchie who spoke to HEADLINE NEWS about the tournament, said it is part of his human capital development initiative. He said that the grassroots football games would be a veritable platform for the discovery of raw talents that would be groomed for professional football in the near future. 

Metchie who is also the President-General of Umueri community and equally holds the chieftaincy title of Ife-Omambala because of his commitments to community development and human capital development, noted that it is a unity football tournament intended to add flavour to the festive season as well as help to harness raw talents. 

He said all the communities in Anambra-East Local Government Area viz Aguleri, Umueri, Enugwu-Otu, Eziagulu-Otu, Mkpunando, Enugwu-Aguleri, Nsugbe, Nando, Ikem-Nando, Umuoba-Anam and Igbariam will participate in the football competition including John Metchie FC and there would be prizes for the first, second and third positions respectively. 

While the kickoff ceremony holds on 26th December at Our Lady Field Otuocha, the closing ceremony for the Dr. John Metchie Football Tournament is scheduled to place on 2nd January 2025.