Nigeria born Armenian international, Ugochukwu Christantus Iwu, has given back to his childhood club, Elkanemi Juniors FC of Jos as he bought them sets of jerseys and balls.
The Rubin Kazan FC of Russia player told SSI Media(www.ssimedia247.com.ng) that he brought home the sets of jerseys and balls as his own little contribution to Elkanemi Juniors FC, the that gave him the platform to fulfill his dream of playing professional football.
Ugochukwu Christantus Iwu gave reasons why he had to shift allegiance to Armenia and laces his boots for the Armenia national team instead of Nigeria: “When I got to Armenia, my first professional club’s Lori FC, from where I moved to Pyunik Yerevan and to Urartu. I was on top of my form, I played very well as one of the best midfielder. Armenia FA were on my neck to come and play for them but my heart was to play for Nigeria, I waited, waited and waited, but when the offer was not forthcoming, I had to accept to play for Armenia.”
He continues: “I have no problem there playing for Armenia. They love me and I can tell you, they even treat me better a times more than their own players. I have no issues there, am enjoying my football with them.”
Ugochukwu Iwu, who could not hide his joy on sighting the PFA Chairman, Hon Dr Prince Suleiman Yahaya Kwande who was invited as a guest of Honour for the kits presentation and intra team novelty match, said: “I’m happy to know that you are now the Chairman of football on the Plateau. I remember that very big grassroots competition he sponsored in 2013 if am not mistaking then of which I played and we won the tournament to win an 18-seater bus; that was my last big grassroots competition I played in here. I’m not surprised all the good things am hearing happening to football in Plateau State. It’s because the leader has passion for the game even as a Politician then.”
It would be recalled that Hon.(Dr) Prince Suleiman Yahaya Kwande sponsored a grassroots competition for clubs in Jos North and Bassa local government Constituencies in 2013, which saw 93 clubs participating and each team given a set of jerseys and balls.
Elkanemi Juniors FC of Jos North Local Government defeated Abel FC of Bassa local government 2-1 to emerge Champions and carted home the star prize which was an 18-seater bus, Abel fc smiled home with #500,000 while the 3rd placed team, ECWA Bishara fc got a cash gift of #300,000.
