The first son of Late High Chief Ignatius Okeahialam, Hon. Johnbosco Okeahialam has eulogised his late father whose burial date is slated for April 6, 2024, Silvernews.com.ng reports.
The Chairman of former Iwuanyanwu Nationale Football later renamed Heartland FC Owerri, Late High Chief Okeahialam will be interred in his hometown at Obizi in Ezinihitte Mbaise local government of Imo State.
According to his son, the late sports administrator was an accomplished sports guru whose sojourn at Iwuanyanwu Nationale birthed great football stars.
Recall that a farewell match in his honour took place at Central School, Obizi between Ex-Iwuanyanwu Nationale players, Ex-Heartland players and Mbaise All Stars.
He said: “We are here today to honour him with a farewell match between Ex-Iwuanyanwu Nationale players and Ex-Heartland FC players and Mbaise All Stars.
“I am here to witness this event in honour of my late dad, patron and chairman and a great man indeed.
“The life and times of Late High Chief Ignatius Okeahialam requires a full book or more to describe him. He is a man of many branches, many sides many accomplishments.
“But today we are focusing on his sports sides. He is a sports enthusiasts. He is one who played football for a while when he was young. He was a former captain of Ariaria Aba Trade Union and a former captain in this Central School where attended primary school.
“He has played football all his life. When he finished his football career, he now ventured into football management. He showed interest to be a part of the management committee of Iwuanyanwu Nationale then. He did astoundingly well and later became the chairman.
“He took the club as his own, nurtured it and today the club is still waxing strong. These are his contributions. Many players have gone through his rank and files. The likes Cyril Nwankwo, Jerry Uche. A lot of players are abroad today courtesy of him.”
