Silver News Ng.

27/06/2026

Luba Odiriichukwu U-13 Summer Tournament Set to Unearth Young Football Talents in Imo

By Wakawaka Sports

The second edition of the Archbishop Prof. Luba Odiriichukwu Imo State U-13 Summer Tournament has been scheduled to hold from August 21 to 30, 2026, as organisers intensify efforts towards promoting grassroots football development in the state.

The youth football tournament, which is sponsored by Archbishop Prof. Luba Odiriichukwu, is expected to attract participation from football academies and clubs across eight Local Government Areas of Imo State, providing a platform for young players to display their talents.

The participating areas include Obowo, Orlu, Ahiazu Mbaise, Ikeduru, Mbaitoli, Owerri North, Ihitte Uboma and Mbano.

The competition will be hosted at the Community Secondary School, Ikenanzizi, Amato Autonomous Community, Obowo Local Government Area, where football stakeholders and supporters are expected to converge to witness the next generation of football prospects.

Registration for interested football academies and clubs will commence on July 1 and close on July 30, 2026, ahead of the tournament proper.

The organisers said the initiative is part of efforts to encourage youth participation, nurture emerging talents and strengthen the foundation of football development in Imo State.

They urged interested academies and clubs within the selected LGAs to complete their registration process before the deadline.

For further enquiries, participating teams can contact the organisers through WhatsApp on 09017191109 or 08170333373.

25/06/2026

Heartland Queens Make History, Eye Federation Cup Glory Against Nasarawa Amazons

By Wakawaka Sports

Heartland Queens will on Saturday, July 11, 2026, seek to crown a historic campaign when they face Nasarawa Amazons in the final of the 2026 Federation Cup at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, Delta State.

The Imo State-based female football club made history by becoming the first team from the South East to qualify for the female Federation Cup final, a feat that has attracted commendation from football stakeholders and supporters across the region.

The achievement has sparked excitement among Imolites, who have been urged to rally behind the team as they chase a historic trophy on the national stage.

Imo State Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Obinna Onyeocha, congratulated Heartland Queens on their impressive journey, describing the qualification as a landmark achievement for women’s football in Imo State and the South East.

Onyeocha praised the players, coaches, management, and supporters of the club for their commitment and resilience, saying the team’s success reflects the growing development of female football in the state.

I congratulate Heartland Queens for this remarkable achievement. This is a proud moment for Imo State and the entire South East, as the team has created history by reaching the Federation Cup final.

I call on all Imolites to give the team their full support as they represent our state in Asaba. This achievement will inspire more young girls to embrace football and believe in their dreams," the commissioner stated.

Heartland Queens will now hope to complete their historic run with victory over Nasarawa Amazons and bring the Federation Cup title to Imo State.

23/06/2026

*Imo FA Chairman, D**e Cancels Disputed Heartland Columbia Supporters Club Chairmanship Election, Appoints Caretaker Committee*

The Chairman of the Imo State Football Association (Imo FA), Barrister Ifeanyi D**e, has constituted a three-man caretaker committee to oversee the affairs of the Heartland FC Columbia Supporters Club following the cancellation of the club's chairmanship election held on Monday at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri.

Barrister D**e announced the decision shortly after reviewing reports from the election, which was marred by irregularities that rendered the outcome unacceptable to the Football Association and other stakeholders.

According to him, widespread allegations of over-voting and a blatant disregard for the guidelines governing the electoral process compromised the credibility of the exercise and made it impossible to uphold the result of the Chairmanship Election.

The caretaker committee is headed by Obinna Oparanozie, with Nice Uchegbu serving as Secretary and Ugochukwu Ohale as a member.

Inaugurating the committee, D**e charged its members to restore peace and stability within the supporters' club through extensive consultations with stakeholders. He also directed them to compile a comprehensive register of genuine members to prevent infiltration by non-members and ensure the integrity of future electoral processes.

The committee will oversee the affairs of the Heartland FC Columbia Supporters Club for a two-month period, from June 22 to August 22, 2026, after which a fresh date will be announced for a new chairmanship election.

The Imo FA chairman noted that while elections into the positions of Vice Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary and Assistant Secretary were conducted successfully and their results announced without controversy, the chairmanship contest witnessed a sudden and questionable increase in the number of voters.

Before inaugurating the caretaker committee, D**e apologised to the people of Imo State and members of the football community for what he described as an unfortunate development.

He expressed disappointment over the conduct of the election, insisting that the events of the day reinforced the need for an interim administration to address the underlying issues threatening the unity and credibility of the Heartland FC Columbia Supporters' Club.

The disputed chairmanship election featured Chidera Orisakwe and Onyekachi Egbujor, popularly known as "Black," as contestants. The electoral committee was chaired by Ikenna Egbujor, also known as "Agwor," who is a brother to one of the candidates, a situation that generated concerns among some stakeholders.

Monday's exercise was meant to resolve a leadership vacuum after an earlier attempt to elect a substantive chairman ended inconclusively. However, the rescheduled election again failed to produce an acceptable outcome, leading the Imo FA to intervene with the appointment of the caretaker committee.

22/06/2026

Heroes FC Match Postponed, Other FA League Fixtures Continue as Scheduled

By Wakawaka sports

The match involving Heroes FC, listed as Match No. 1 on the fixtures, has been postponed to a new date which will be communicated in due course.

The postponement was confirmed by the Assistant FA Secretary, Comrade Emeka Nwaokorie, who stated that all other fixtures will proceed as earlier scheduled.

Football fans, teams, and officials are expected to take note of the adjustment as the competition continues.

22/06/2026

Imo Stands Still As Super Cop Weds Super Eagles Star’s Sister in Grand Celebration

By Silvernews

Imo State witnessed a remarkable blend of security excellence, football prestige, and rich cultural heritage on Saturday, June 20, 2026, as Inspector Chika Okebata, of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Imo State Police Command, exchanged marital vows with the sister of Super Eagles forward, Kelechi Iheanacho, in a colourful ceremony.

Inspector Okebata, widely respected for his dedication, professionalism, and commitment to public safety, has continued to make remarkable contributions through his service and community engagement. He was also instrumental in the naming process of the female football team Heartland Queens, reflecting his passion for sports development and youth empowerment.

The Super Cop stepped away from his official responsibilities to celebrate love, family, and tradition with his bride in grand style.

The wedding ceremony, held at Central School Umunwaku in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State, attracted a distinguished gathering of security leaders, political figures, sports personalities, media professionals, and community stakeholders.

The venue was transformed into a celebration of Igbo culture, with vibrant decorations, music, and traditional performances adding colour to the occasion.

The bride, in a display of elegance and cultural pride, performed the traditional Igba Nkwu ceremony, searching through the crowd before presenting the wine cup to Inspector Okebata, a moment that attracted cheers and admiration from guests.

The security community was well represented by senior officers of the Imo State Police Command, led by Commander (VCRU) ACP Oladomeji Odeyeye who joined in celebrating one of their dedicated officers.

The football community also added glamour to the event, with the bride’s brother, Kelechi Iheanacho, making a special appearance alongside Super Eagles winger and AC Milan star, Samuel Chukwueze. Their presence created excitement among football fans and guests.

The political class was represented by Hon. Eugene Dibiagwu, member representing Oguta/Oru West/Ohaji-Egbema Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, who attended with other stakeholders.

Speaking during the presentation of gifts, Hon. Dibiagwu described the union as a celebration of love, unity, and the positive impact of individuals who continue to contribute to society.

The media community was led by Comrade Kelechi Ugo, immediate past Chairman of the Association of Imo State Based Journalists, south east secretary of sports writers Association of Nigeria Mr Kennedy Onwunali represented alongside other respected journalists and media professionals.

The celebration continued with a grand reception where guests enjoyed a rich blend of local and continental dishes, music, and entertainment, creating a memorable atmosphere.

As Inspector Chika Okebata and his bride begin their marital journey, the wedding stands as a remarkable celebration of love, culture, unity, and the achievements of a public servant whose influence extends beyond security into sports and community development.

20/06/2026

19/06/2026

Silversports FC Ready for Imo FA League Challenge as 19 Teams Begin Battle for Glory

By Wakawaka Sports

Silversports Football Club of Aboh Mbaise will officially begin their campaign in the 2026 Imo State Football Association (FA) League when they face Evermore Football Club in their opening fixture at the Practice Pitch of the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, on Tuesday morning.

The Aboh Mbaise-based side will be aiming for a strong start in the competition after being drawn alongside Chika FC and Madoka FC in a group that promises a competitive battle for qualification to the next stage.

The 2026 Imo FA League will feature 19 participating teams, with clubs set to compete for honours in the state’s grassroots football championship.

The season will officially kick off with Umuakuma United taking on Heroes FC by 9:00am at the same venue in the opening match of the campaign.

The fixtures were unveiled during the official draws held at the boardroom of the Imo State Football Association, with representatives of participating clubs and football stakeholders in attendance.

The FA Chairman, Barrister Ifeanyi D**e, assured the teams of the association’s commitment to organizing a free, fair, and transparent competition, while promising equal opportunities for all participating clubs.

The FA Vice Chairman, Chief Silvester Obasi, also expressed the association’s readiness to provide proper coordination for a successful league season.

Earlier, the Organising Committee Chairman, Chief Charles Nnadi, outlined the guidelines governing the competition and charged clubs to abide by the rules and regulations of the league.

Also present at the event were the Owerri Zonal Coordinator, Ekwutosi Nmeka, and Okigwe Zonal Chairman, Goddy Gbade, alongside other football stakeholders.

With the fixtures now confirmed, attention shifts to the pitch as Silversports FC, Umuakuma United, Heroes FC, and other participating teams begin the race for glory in the 2026 Imo FA League.

18/06/2026

2026 Imo state Football Association League Draws.

13/06/2026

Amuneke urges Africans to forgive, support South Africa at FIFA World Cup

By Silvernews.com.ng

Former African Footballer of the Year, Emmanuel Amuneke, has called on Africans across the globe to support South Africa’s national football team at the FIFA World Cup, stressing that football remains a powerful tool for unity, healing and reconciliation.

Speaking in an interview with Wakawaka Sports Extra, the former Barcelona player acknowledged that some Africans may have concerns over developments in South Africa but urged the continent not to abandon its own on the international stage.

Amuneke said the passion for football should rise above differences, noting that supporting an African team at the World Cup represents a collective expression of continental pride.

“Football is a healing therapy. Africans can heal from the things happening around us by not paying each other back with the same treatment,” the former African Footballer of the Year said.

The former Super Eagles star maintained that sport has the ability to unite people and create an atmosphere for understanding, adding that Africa must continue to promote togetherness despite its challenges.

He urged football supporters to view South Africa’s participation at the World Cup as an opportunity to showcase Africa’s talent, culture and resilience before the global audience.

Amuneke, who has enjoyed a distinguished career both as a player and coach, said forgiveness and support among Africans would help strengthen the continent’s football development and global image.

Silvernews.com.ng reports that the former African football star believes the game remains one of the strongest platforms through which Africans can build bridges and promote unity.

12/06/2026

Professor Eddie Oparaoji Recounts Life Journey, Pro-Democracy Struggle in Silvernews Exclusive Interview

By Silvernews

Professor Eddie Oparaoji, Chairman of the Mbaise Social Cultural Organisation and the Mbaise Policy Roundtable (MPR), has opened up on his life journey, democratic advocacy and decades of commitment to the pro-democracy movement in Nigeria.

In an exclusive interview with Silvernews Communication, published by Silvernews.ng on Facebook, the respected academic and community leader reflected on the experiences, values and convictions that shaped his journey and his contributions to social activism and nation-building.

Professor Oparaoji spoke about his early years, the influences that shaped his worldview and the major events that propelled him into the struggle for good governance, citizens’ participation and democratic development.

He shared insights into the challenges, sacrifices and milestones that have defined his path, while emphasising the importance of resilience, intellectual engagement and grassroots mobilisation in the pursuit of a just and inclusive society.

The Chairman of Mbaise Policy Roundtable also highlighted the role of cultural organisations in strengthening communities, preserving identity and contributing to national growth.

He further discussed his relationship with the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, providing perspectives on leadership, governance and national development.

The exclusive conversation offers a deeper look into the life and experiences of Professor Eddie Oparaoji, a scholar and community leader whose advocacy has remained focused on democracy, service and human development.

Watch and follow the full interview on Silvernews.ng on Facebook as Professor Eddie Oparaoji shares his story in his own words.

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