Saturday, January 7, will remain evergreen in the memory of Nigeria
Professional Football League legend, Victor Ezeji, as he entered the history
books as the first player from the domestic league to end his football career with
a Testimonial Match after announcing his retirement.
Fondly called “VickyMoore’, Ezeji’s swansong was at the
Sharks Stadium, where he started his career, in 1996.
It was an emotional day for the former captain of Sharks and
defunct Dolphins who retired from the game that brought him fame and money,
last year.
From the up-and-coming youngster of 1996, the stadium was
loaded with fans who came to see the veteran bowing out, in 2017.
Ezeji attained a record 20 seasons, all in the topflight and
received a hero’s welcome from the appreciative crowd.
And for the fans, it was also a special day as it marked the
first time a high profile match will return to the stadium after previous
occupants, Sharks, were merged with rivals, Dolphins, to form Rivers United.
Dignitaries at the stadium included Rivers State
Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Boma Iyaye, who represented the Executive
Governor of Rivers State, Barrister Nyesom Wike, former Nigerian International,
Chief Adokiye Amaesimaka, Nigeria Football Federation board member, Christopher
Green, former Super Eagles coaches, Monday Sinclair and Augustine Eguavoen
amongst others.
Also at the stadium were former Super Eagles midfielder and
now Country Manager, La Liga, Mutiu Adepoju, Atlanta ’96 Olympian, Mobi
Oparaku, former Under17 coach, Alphonsus Dike, Rangers Technical Adviser, Imama
Amakapabo, Chairman Club Owners Association, Barrister Isaac Danladi, Rivers
United gaffer, Stanley Eguma, Rivers State House of Assemble member, Honourable
Kelechi Wogu, and President, Rotary
Club, Port-Harcourt South, Sir Igo Azubuike.
Ezeji started the match with Team Ezeji and switched to Team
NPFL in the second half.
Before switching to Team NPFL, Ezeji had an exciting
combination with former teammate, Emmanuel Ebiede.
Interestingly, Dikko, who captained Team NPFL scored the
curtain raiser in the first half, while Ezeji increased the tally for Team NPFL
in the second half.
Ezeji received awards from two of his former teams, Enyimba
and Heartland as well as La Liga.
In recognition of his contribution to the league, Ezeji was appointed
as a Player Advisor for the NPFL.
There was a standing ovation when Ezeji was substituted in
the second half and he proceeded to watch the remainder of the game on the
bench, his work complete.
And after the full-time whistle sounded, he headed onto the
field to pay his tributes.
It has been a special era for himself, fans who came from
different parts of the state and of course the planning committee.
“VickyMoore” was again rang around the stadium.
Story By
OJEIKERE AIKHOJE
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