A 5 day goalkeeping Klinic has ended in port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital with the theme “Bringing Back the glory of goalkeeping”
Chief organiser of the Klinic and Director of Seaman Goalkeeping Academy, Innocent Uzodinma told newsmen that he was highly delighted to witness the enthusiasm and committment demonstrated by the participating goalkeepers, returning all glory to God for the success of the event.
Uzodinma disclosed that the sole aim of the klinic was achieved while calling on spirited individuals, corporate bodies and lovers of sports to support the vision to not only bring back the glory of goalkeeping but to get more youths actively involved in the sports of goalkeeping which is result oriented and profiting.
“Clubs still invite me to keep but for how long will l continue doing this considering my age as a retired goalkeeper who have seen it all.
“Hence the vision of having an academy which is the first of its kind in Nigeria to discover, nature and groom goalkeepers into professional status,” Uzodinma.
The chairman Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Rivers State chapter Hon. Cyril Dum Wite, who was represented by Amb. Didiphina Chidi Ojogwu charged the goalkeepers to put into practice all they have learnt both on and off the pitch.
He thanked the organisers for thinking outside the box for a well organised Klinic and Academy while assuring them of the support of SWAN at all times to grow the vision noting that the association will keep partnering with initiatives that will add value to the society and sports.
The event was well attended with former Super Eagles goalkeeper David Ngodigha taking the kickoff for the match between Akpajo All Stars and the goalkeepers.
The game ended 4-3 in favour of All Stars over 65 goalkeepers from all over Nigeria took part in the klinic while special awards were given to them with certificates of participation.
Overall best goalkeeper award went to Micheal Ibinabo, Godswill Martins took the best young goalkeeper award and most disciplined goalkeeper went to Chris Uchenna Chidi, while Zoe Uzodinma took the youngest goalkeeper award at age 4, and Life Dickson was crowned the most neatly dressed shot stopper.
The season 2 of the Klinic is expected to hold in 2024.
Credit: Didiphina Chidi Ojogwu
