Odogwu U-17 Tournament Begins in Abuja

Odogwu U-17 Tournament Begins in Abuja

By Niyi Busari

The maiden edition of the Odogwu U.17 Football Tournament will begin on Tuesday 17 January in Gwagwalada Abuja.

The tournament sponsored by the Abia Warriors Football Club Sporting Director, Patrick Ngwaogu (Odogwu ndi Abia) is aimed at discovering youths at that level that are ready to make a living from football.

According to the Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Thompson Ojukwu, the opening match will be between 2S Academy and Real Justice FC. The match which would be played at UBE Primary School, Kuntunku Gwagwalada Abuja by 4pm, will see a member of the FCT Football Association and Coach of the National U.15 team, Patrick Bassey performing the ceremonial kick off.

Quoting his word, Ojukwu said "we have dedicated the next three weeks in Gwagwalada to honour this passionate man that have boldly represented Gwagwalada and FCT perfectly in the game of football. He served us meritilously, and still serving us till date, we are putting this tournament together to honour him. In the opening match, 2SC Academy will take on Real Justice, while the second day, Babayaro FC will tackle Ejiwumi Academy".

Ojukwu said the semi finals will be played on 18th and 19th January, with the donor deciding the date of the finals.

Patrick Ngwaogu was the leader of the Gwagwalada Football Coaches Council, Public Relations Officer, FCT Football Coaches Association, Secretary FCT Coaches Association, Board Member, FCT Football Association and First Vice Chairman, FCT Football Association. He has also served variously at the NFF standing committees and is the Board Secretary of FOSLA Academy. He was appointed as the Match Reader/Assistant Coach of Abia Warriors Football Club of Umuahia in 2016/2017, before he was elevated to the position of Sporting Director in the current football season.