By: Ilekam Ikechukwu
Jewels Football Academy greeted the visiting of the Uturu All Stars 11 today with sheer ruthlessness with a 5-1 annihilation in a friendly encounter in commemoration of the recently elevated President of Jewels Football Academy, Sir Ikechukwu “Best Man” Aaron, as a Permanent Secretary in the Abia State state Civil Service, played inside the mainbowl of the Community Secondary School Ohanze.
Coach Akin Joe Akuma fielded a seemingly weakened side in his starting lineup in recent times, but it was the host who had an early initiative towards goal in the 2nd minute, with charismatic forward Graham narrowly missing a connection off a Kelechi’s freekick from the left side.
With the Ohanze based side having foreseen a first half lead as they retained possession with much intent went into the lead deservedly in the 21st minute, as defensive midfielder Emmanuel Nwigwe directed a long range effort from 35 yards, the goalkeeper’s calamitous attempt to grab the ball resulted in him shinning in Jewel’s opener.
Jewel went into the break with a slim lead, but upon resumption and some promising alterations being made, with regulars coming on, a 50th minute Junior Okechukwu trademark freekick from 30 yards left the goalkeeper helpless, as Jewels went 2 goals up.
The host pushed for more and were rewarded in the 55th minute when left back, Friday Ihunwo delivered a sumptuous freekick inside the box, but the error-prone goalkeeper vomited carelessly onto the path of an unmarked Blessing Harrison who latched on to send his effort inside the empty net, as he celebrated his debut goal in a Jewel shirt.
The Uturu based outfit huffed and puffed after going woefully behind but never looked like hurting their hosts, some traces of complacency from the Jewel backline. In the 68 minute, gifted towering striker Ifeanyi Nwamba an opportunity to halve the deficit, having run in between goalkeeper Peter and central defender Uche in the aftermath of a miscommunicated scenario to slot home for a mere consolatory goal.
Micah Chinwendu responded immediately for the hosts as he was picked by the ever-improving blessing Harrison inside the box, the former finishing calmly as Jewels’ hefty lead was restored.
The icing on the cake for Jewels came in the 89th minute when striker Humphrey rounded off the goalkeeper to slide in a neat ball for an unmarked Hezekiah Ogbebe, the hattrick hero in the last friendly tie. The striker continued with his potency in front of goal as he expertly condemned the less impressive visitors from Uturu with Jewels’ 5th goal, as the referee finally brought the encounter to a climax.
Meanwhile a high point of the game was a benevolent visit by Honourable Mba Chukwuemeka to the players of Jewels Football Academy, the Abia-State-born philanthropist donated a bag of rice and charged the boys to be loyal and committed to the core, stressing that humility is a virtue to be envied, and be dedicated to the course in their football profession.
While expressing gratitude to the act of benevolence shown to the entire players of Jewels Football Academy, the captain Micah Chinwendu spoke on behalf of the players in this affirmative
“We are really grateful for the gift you gave us today and the words of encouragement which definitely will spur us into hitting the landmarks, God in His infinite mercy will continue to make provisions for you sir.” The midfielder concluded
The ever-improving Ohanze based side are heating up with series of training schedules even as their international scouting programme draws closer.
Ilekam Ikechukwu
Media officer,
Jewels Football Academy.