The Hon.Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Kedem Tallen, Former House of Representatives member and Delta North Senatorial candidate in next year’s elections, Prince Ned Nwoko, President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau and former NFF President, Amaju Pinnick are among top dignitaries expected at the grand finale of the Ifeanyi Chiejine Memorial Tournament on Wednesday.
The tournament which is in memory of former Super Falcons talented midfielder Ifeanyichukwu Chiejine commenced in Asaba, Delta state capital last Thursday and will end this Wednesday with a grand closing at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.
The winner of the maiden edition of the Ifeanyi Chiejine Memorial Tournament will go home with 500,000 naira while second and third place will get 300,000 and 200,000 naira respectively.
Meanwhile, Nollywood Screen goddess Ngozi Ezeonu, USA-based Richard Opanuga, and Media house GIS Sports TV have donated trophies for the Ifeanyi Chiejine Memorial Tournament.
Ezeonu, while speaking to the media, said she donated the trophy because she is a massive supporter of the girl child and will always do anything to support the girl child.
The veteran also called on the Federal government to immortalize the late Ifeanyi Chiejine because she did well while playing for Nigeria.
“If Ifeanyi Chiejine can get immortalized at the national level, it will be good. Late Stephen Keshi was immortalized here in Asaba, and Sam Okwaraji was also immortalized. Why don’t they do it for a girl child? If the Federal government can immortalize Ifeanyi Chiejine, it will be good and show that they’re not discriminating.”
Ifeanyi Chiejine Memorial Tournament convener, Judith Chime, has revealed the prize money for the tournament. While speaking to the media, Chime said that the maiden edition winner would go home with 500,000 naira, while the second and third-place teams would receive 300,000 and 200,000 naira, respectively.
Popularly known as Kamala, Judith Chime said that she feels fulfilled giving honour to the late Ifeanyi Chiejine with the memorial tournament and ensuring her name isn’t forgotten.
“I feel happy and fulfilled honouring my dear sister, friend, and sports daughter. Ifeanyi isn’t someone that should be forgotten so soon. Whatever I have put in this tournament, Ifeanyi deserves it. The Ifeanyi Chiejine Memorial Tournament has come to stay. It will be a yearly tournament. I hope to see corporate bodies in subsequent editions supporting this project.”
The grand finale of the Ifeanyi Chiejine Memorial Tournament will take place in Stephen Keshi Stadium Asaba on Wednesday, 21st December.