The reigning Imo State FA Cup Champion, Ikukuoma Football Club of Umuochaku Ezeagbogu in Ezinihitte Mbaise LGA, has been invited to participate in the 39th edition of the Target USA CUP, scheduled to be held in Blaine, Minnesota, USA, in July.
The sole financier of Mbaise Blues High Chief, Dr. Summers VC Nwokie, informed our reporter during a recent interview that he feels very delighted about the opportunity granted to the club to participate in its first international competition.
Killie Goodrich, who is the 2024 Target USA CUP Recruiting Manager, queried why there has not been a Nigerian representation at the greatest youth soccer tournament in the world.
In an email to the Global Ambassador of Ikukuoma Football Club, Mr. Charles Abia Ohaegbulem, Kelli Goodrich stated, “The tournament no doubt has missed the Nigeria swagg.” She urged the US Embassy in Lagos to assist the team in securing their visas to enable proper representation at the tournament, which hosts teams from over 20 countries.
The Umuochaku Ezeagbogu-born philanthropist promised to assist the club, which is currently taking part in the NFF NLO play-offs at the OISA Stadium in Okpala, as much as possible in having a good tournament in the United States.
It was also gathered that plans have been made to hire a well-known Spain-based tactician to groom the team for the International Soccer Invitational Fiesta.
The team is expected to camp for two months in Owerri, the Imo State capital, before jetting out to the United States in July.
Top among the list of players are Emmanuel Edozie, who currently has an offer to play for a top Italia team this summer; Ekeh Chimezie Alpha; Miracle Oluebube Chukwudi; and Akujuobi Chibueze. ThankGod, Samba Maurice, Oladimeji Abdulrasaq Atanda and other talented players are expected to hit the camp next week for early preparation.
Meanwhile, three highly selected coaches from Imo State and around the country are expected to join the team for screening and build-up.