By Ikenna Nwokedi 

The Proprietor of Ozalla Football Academy and 2023 Neros Anambra FA Cup Champions, Mr. Ikenna Osueke has expressed optimism about his team's chances as they get set to feature in Nigeria's fourth tier of club football, Nigeria Nationwide League 2 campaign.

Osueke made the remarks on Monday, 8th July 2024 during an interview with sports writers as his team get set to face five other clubs in Group B of the NLO2 campaign which gets underway across different centres on Saturday, 13th July 2024.

Ozalla FA who were drawn in Group B against Hopeland FC of Anambra State, Ingas Feeders of Enugu State, Platinum FC of Imo State, Ave International Feeders FC of Imo State and Rangels FC of Anambra State, will play at the Umuahia Centre with the winner of Group B engaging the winner of Group A for a place in the Nationwide League One spot.

Osueke informed that his team are leaving no stones unturned in their quest to ensure they have a successful outing and put up a good fight as one of the state representatives in the upcoming football league. The football administrator acknowledged that the task would be a tough one as his opponents are no rookies and have been in the adventure of club football for many years till this very moment.

He lamented the change of venue from Awka to Umuahia which will lead to incurring more cost for his team as they now have to plan for hotel accommodation for the number of days to be spent in Umuahia as well as feeding, travelling logistics and allowance for the playing personnel.

Osueke said: "We are looking forward to the upcoming NLO2 campaign and have before now kick-started preparations to ensure that we give a good account of ourselves by winning our matches, topping the group and having a fighting chance for the playoff position.

"The adventure will not be easy as we are drawn in a tough group against opponents who knows the terrain of Nigeria lower leagues and have been into football administration for many years. However, we respect them but we don't fear anyone as we hope to put up a good show and with God on our side we are hopeful of hitting the target which is to top our group and play in the playoffs and possibly book the Nationwide League One spot. 

"We face a challenge of funding now due to the change in venue from Awka to Umuahia as this adventure will incur extra costs for accommodation and travelling logistics added to the already existing ones which are feeding and allowances, however, we are hopeful that we will navigate the challenges," Osueke said.