RIVERS State government has pledged its support for the
upcoming Victor Ezeji Testimonial.
Speaking during a courtesy call by the Main Organizing
Committee (MOC) of the Victor Ezeji Testimonial at his office, the state
Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Boma Iyaye informed of the state’s willingness to
support plans for the celebration of a player whom he described as a ‘legend.’
Iyaye commended Ezeji’s choice of Port Harcourt as the
city to host his testimonial, acknowledging that it showed the love and respect
he had for the City.
“For Victor to decide that his testimonial will hold in
Port Harcourt shows the love and respect he has for our City.
“Victor like I know is from Abia state but he has lived
all his life here in Port Harcourt. He grew up in this City, played football in
this city, married in this city and he still lives in this city and as such
there is no other state where this testimonial will hold.
“I want to commend him for his decision as he could as
well have gone to Lagos or Abuja but he decide that this is my city, I am proud
of my city and I will hold my testimonial in this city.
“The government would do its best. The government would
support Victor, the government would support the Main Organizing Committee to
ensure that you have a hitch free testimonial match in honor of Victor Ezeji.
The Commissioner while informing of governments intention
to support the event, however encouraged the MOC led by China Acheru, to seek
additional sponsors and partners who he was sure would be willing to be part of
such a worthy event as following the competing need of resources, government
alone should not be expected to bear the burden of sponsoring any event.
Iyaye also informed the MOC and Victor Ezeji who was
present, that asides the State Government’s intention to honor him (Ezeji),
Rivers United as a club was also going to do the same, having previously played
for Sharks and Dolphins.
“You are part and parcel of Rivers United as far as we
are concerned. You are a Legend of Rivers United and we will honor you for
that.
“You played with Sharks, won Laurels, you played with
Dolphins won laurels, you were Captain and Vice-captain, and there is nothing
you have not achieved for Rivers United as far as we are concerned. Asides the
state honoring you, Rivers United will honor you.”
Victor Ezeji began his top flight career with Sharks in
1996 and would then go on to play for Eagle Cement/Dolphins, Enyimba, Sunshine
Stars and Heartland.
He won the league with Dolphins in 2004 in addition to
three FA Cup titles in '04, '06, '07.
While at Enyimba, Ezeji won the Nigerian League title, A
CAF Champions league and a CAF Super Cup.
He also added a WAFU Cup medal to his kitty when he
returned for a third stint at Sharks from 2008-2012.
After his decision to hang up his boots for good, Ezeji
has decided to bid an official farewell to his fans with a Testimonial match
scheduled for December.
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