By Silvernews.
The Dream Land Football Ground, World Bank Estate, Owerri, was a scene of excitement and nostalgia at the weekend as the Ex-Iwuanyanwu Dynamic All-Stars clashed with the Dynamic All-Stars in a friendly match held to celebrate one of Imo football’s respected figures, Onyema Kingsley, popularly known as Atanda, on his 55th birthday.
The lively encounter brought together former teammates, coaches, and supporters who once made Iwuanyanwu Nationale a dominant force in Nigerian football. It was more than a birthday celebration — it was a reunion of legends, a rekindling of friendships, and a reminder of the pride Imo once held as a football powerhouse.
Players who featured for the Ex-Iwuanyanwu Dynamic All-Stars included Echendu Osita, Jonathan Ubanwa, Jukky, and Coach Oparanozi, who entertained fans with flashes of the vintage skills that once thrilled stadiums across the country. The atmosphere was electric, as members of the club’s supporters’ group, led by their chairman, rendered melodic football songs that brought back memories of the good old days when Atanda stood firm in the team’s defensive line.
Among the dignitaries present were former Super Eagles defender Mobi Oparaku; Coach Kanu Anukute, Secretary of the Ex-Iwuanyanwu Dynamic All-Stars; and the Vice Chairman of the Dynamic All-Stars, all of whom praised the celebrant for his humility, leadership, and unwavering love for the game.
Speaking after the match, the Vice Chairman described Atanda as “the rock holding the team’s values together — a player whose discipline, loyalty, and team spirit still inspire both veterans and the younger generation.” In his remarks, Kanu Anukute commended the event as “a beautiful celebration of friendship and legacy,” urging sports authorities in Imo to work with veteran players to mentor young talents and revive the state’s football heritage.
The event ended in a festive mood, with laughter, music, and heartfelt tributes to Onyema Kingsley (Atanda) — a man whose name remains etched in the proud story of Iwuanyanwu Nationale, and whose legacy continues to inspire the spirit of football in Imo and across Nigeria.
