Odegbami, others shine in novelty match in Imo

By Victor Nwachukwu

73-year-old Segun Odegbami, and other former Nigeria football internationals thrilled a crowd of spectators in a novelty match at Agbor Avuru, Mbaise council area of Imo.

The match was played as part of activities marking the 60th birthday celebrations of Imo-born businessman, Chief Success Akagburuonye, on Saturday.

Akagburuonye is the Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director of Praco International Ltd, a real estate company.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the novelty match was played between the ex-internationals, captained by Odegbami and classmates of the celebrant.

Other ex- internationals who featured in the match were Samson Siasia, Victor Ikpeba, Finidi George, Austin Eguavoen, Daniel Amokachi and goalkeeper Ike Shorunmu among others.

The celebrant, Akagburuonye, scored the 25th minute opening goal with a sublime shot after winning the ball from an opponent.

Finidi, however, converted a 50th minute shot after passes in the opponent’s half to level the score.

He further scored the winning goal following an exchange of passes by Amokachi and Ikpeba, to seal the victory for the visiting superstars.

Speaking after the match, Akagburuonye thanked God for the opportunity to come together, describing the match as a “reunion “.

“It gladdens me that we are here to catch up and stretch our muscles in this exciting atmosphere.

“This is memorable and I pray for God’s guidance and mercies toward all who have come here today,’ he said.

Finidi said that although the team played for fun, it was yet another reminder of the good old days.

NAN reports that Akagburuonye had earlier inaugurated the football pitch which he built as part of his philanthropic efforts, before the start of the game.