Mazi Chimereze Okeigbo Speaks on Eze Kanu Oji Football Competition, Prizes for Winners

The CEO of Abia SME Microfinance Bank and Former Special Adviser on IGR (Internally Generated Revenue), Mazi Chimereze Okeigbo, has revealed that plans are in top gear to host the maiden edition of the Eze Kanu Oji football competition on the 24th December 2025.

In this exclusive interview, Mazi Okeigbo stated that the winner of the Eze Kanu Oji football competition will go home with a whopping sum of 500,000 and mentioned that talent scouts would be around for the competition.

Question: How is the plan for the finale of the Eze Kanu Oji football competition progressing, and what should we expect?

The plan is moving smoothly; we have conducted three matches, two of which are part of the preliminaries, which we refer to as sudden death. If you participate and do not win, you fill the third spot. This was held on the 22nd, with group B emerging victorious. The final match is scheduled for the 24th between groups C and D. We will have the Commissioner of Sports, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, the SA to the Governor on Sports, Chima Raymond Ukwa, and Coach John Sam Obuh, the Chairman of Abia Warriors Football Club, in attendance. Our aim is to harness talents, considering it is an under-19 league. Of course, Eze Aro Eze Dr Eberechukwu Oji and other dignitaries will also be present. Prizes are also up for grabs: the first prize is 500,000 Naira, the second prize is 350,000, and the third prize is 200,000. We also have a participation prize of 100,000. The idea is to keep young people engaged and to identify talents.

Question: As this is the maiden edition of the Eze Kanu Oji football competition, what has been the level of cooperation so far?

There has been a lot of cooperation from the youth. The only challenge is that many football competitions are happening in Arochukwu at the moment, so we are working to coordinate the modalities for both football and other sports activities in Arochukwu. The under-19 category is for ages 14 to 19, although you shouldn’t expect as many spectators as when players are aged 25-30. Nonetheless, we are committed to attracting spectators, but our main focus is to ensure we identify talented individuals hence our partnership with the State Government through the Ministry of Sports and with Abia Warriors Football Club.

Question: How did you draw the groups, given that there are 19 villages in the Arochukwu Kingdom?

We employed a hybrid selection process. For the villages from Ugwuakuma to Ibom, we selected five villages. We also formed teams from the villages in the Barracks, which is a large area owned by many villages, to ensure balance across all groups. The distribution is quite equitable.

So, what can we expect from the finale happening on the 24th of December?

As mentioned, many people will attend, and the matches will be between groups C and D, representing villages like Atani, Asaga, Amuvi, and Amangwu versus Ujari, Ibom, Amasu, and Amannagwu. The matches will commence around 3 pm, with state officials and other stakeholders present. Our partners, including MTN and Coca-Cola, are also interested in supporting the event. Additionally, there will be a marathon on the 27th, which promises to be another major event.

Question: What advice do you have for Umu Aro who are undecided about returning home for Christmas?

We have observed that Umu Aro usually come back during Christmas, often coinciding with the New Year celebrations. I would like to encourage them to take this opportunity to return for vacation, especially since many may not have the luxury of travelling abroad. This period is perfect for relaxation.

When you come back, you will reconnect with loved ones and witness the development taking place in Arochukwu. We are fortunate to have the best governor, Dr Alex Otti, who is doing remarkable work in Arochukwu. I urge all Umu Aro to return and be part of this success story.