By Wakawaka Sports
For a club barely a year old, Hawks Football Club, Owerri, has announced its arrival on the Imo football scene with an impressive debut campaign in the 2026 Imo State Football Association League, ending the regular season with a perfect winning record before falling on penalties in the semi-finals.
Founded in 2025 by football administrator and community leader Wisdom Onyeaka Kelechi from Umuguma in Owerri West Local Government Area, Hawks FC was established to identify, nurture and expose talented young footballers to opportunities within and outside Nigeria. The club’s philosophy is built around discipline, structured player development and attractive attacking football.
The club’s remarkable journey was driven by a clear vision shared by its founder and Team Manager, Marcellinus Emmanuel Uchechukwu, who coined the name “Hawks FC.” Together, they have created an environment where young players are encouraged to develop both on and off the pitch, with the long-term objective of producing professionals capable of competing at the highest level.
Hawks FC justified the growing expectations surrounding the team by winning all their regular season matches to emerge as one of the biggest revelations of the competition. Their consistent performances earned widespread admiration and underlined the effectiveness of the club’s grassroots development programme.
The club’s quest for a dream final appearance was, however, halted in the semi-finals after a 1-1 draw against Onyema FC, with the newcomers eventually losing in a penalty shootout. Despite the disappointment, their maiden campaign has been widely regarded as a major success and a statement of intent.
Reflecting on the season, Wisdom Onyeaka Kelechi described the campaign as only the beginning of a long-term project. “By the grace of God, we are a work in progress,” he said, expressing confidence that Hawks FC will continue to provide opportunities for talented youngsters while contributing meaningfully to football development in Imo State and Nigeria.
