The most anticipated testimonial ceremony of the retired
player from the Nigerian Professional Football League is on the verge of
collapsing. Victor Ezeji, the Abia State born ex-footballer spent 20 years
playing in the Nigerian League for clubs like: Sharks, Enyimba, Dolphins,
Sunshine Stars, Heartland etc before calling it quit in 2015.
The testimonial ceremony slated to hold on the 7th
of January, 2017 in Port Harcourt at the Sharks Football Club Stadium is hanging
in the balance as money released to the organizers will not be enough to host
the event. The money which was promised
by the Chief Sponsor, The Rivers State Government was supposed to be released
to the organizers since the 8th of December, 2016. However, reports
has it that the Rivers State government has released to the organizers the
pledged 15 million naira but they could only lay their hands and gain access to
5million naira due to alleged in-house government procedure.
Reports reaching us says that the organizers could only get the
5million through a bank loaning system which requires a 45% payment upfront. It is getting terrible already for the organizers because
the event is just two days away and other sponsors who pledged to render their support have all bailed out and refused to keep in touch lately.
To make matters worse, the organizers were bounced and
locked out of the event venue, the Sharks Stadium when they went for some routine procedural inspection.
La Liga who are part of the sponsors have not kept in touch
but all hopes is high on ex-Nigeria International Mutiu Adepoju, who is the liaison and Face of La Liga
in Africa. He is expected to bring the goodnews message from the Spanish outfit.
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| Ezeji posing in his Heartland Jersey during his playing time |
The event is expected to see old legends of the Nigerian
League, ex-super Eagles and Ex-NPFL stars and other sons of the Nigerian League
like Mobi Oparaku, Friday Onyeukwu and former coach, Mangut Mbwas who graced
the pitch in their early days participate in the game.
However, Supersport the official TV broadcaster of the event is
expected to come into Port Harcourt from Abuja after the Glo CAF awards on Thursday
night. According to the organizers, the TV
coverage fee, match-officials payments, hotel accommodations, Team Jerseys and
other logistics to be put in place requires money. The event is one that will see ex-footballers
from around the African continent and beyond attend.
The big question running through the minds of people is: Will
the ceremony still hold? Remember, this ceremony has been moved from its
official date twice due to Rivers Re-run election and alleged improper
logistics preparation.
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We will keep you updated.
Tags:
Nigerian League