They are young, university students and daring. That is how to describe Light FC of Umudike, a football team made up of students of the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike.
The team which was formed in 2021 was an avenue for the students to keep fit. As time went by, the team decided to collectively push the dream further as they take free time after class work and study to play friendlies.
Like it is done in the US and some other European countries, Universities and Colleges have sports teams. However, in the absence of that, these young players made up of students from 100 level to final year have become the talk of the town with their scintillating performance at the Diamond International Football Academy Scouting Tournament in Umuahia.
The team played the final game on day 3 of the tournament and got ovation for their doggedness and dexterity.
They are athletic, intelligent, and bold. They took the fight to the Diamond team–a renowned academy in Nigeria and the world with pedigree, from where Samuel Chukwueze and Kelechi Nwakali came. You can see the pure passion with which they play, the discipline and the tenacity of a group whose dreams are burning like fire.
The team played their first ever match on 20th April 2021 and won 5-2. Since then, they have played a total of 109 games; competitions and friendlies. Within this period, they have won the 1Xbet Super Cup, the 1Xbet MOUAU Cup, and are two-time MOUAUECO champions.
The team is managed by Akabuogu Onyeka Wilson, who is the head coach, and is assisted by Ojiako Emmanuel Ikechukwu. Together, they have tinkered their side to play thrilling football and deserve the accolades and support.
The head coach, Akabuogu Wilson has won the 1Xbet Coach of the Year Award (2 times) MOUAUECO Coach of the Year (2 times) and SUG Coach of the Year (3 times).
These young students are not just studying, they are doing well in football and other vocational activities. The beauty of the team is that they are all students and they integrate even new students in 100 level into the team.
Great achievements and ideas begin from the cradle. For Light FC, they have switched on the light and are now shining so bright.
They need all they support they can get and possibly, sponsorship to keep the dreams and aspirations of these young ones alive. Who knows? We might just see the next big name in Nigerian football from Light FC of Umudike.