OGENE IVITE AGULERI SET TARGET OF N200M FROM COMMUNITY CROWD FUNDING COMPETITION (IJENOKE 2023)
By Dr Innocent Chidumebi Okonkwo.
The long awaited *Ijenoke* Ivite Aguleri 2023 season starts on Friday 6th October 2023 and concludes on last Sunday of October 2023 with all final-day games kicking off at the same time and ending at 11: 59 pm of 29th October 2023.
The target is to raise over N200M for the development of Ivite Aguleri community.
The greatest match in the history of *Ijenoke* crowd funding competition: Isiokwe Agamebu vs. Umunnoke Nicknamed "Orauba team," it is a battle that will encompass all the flair, daring, skill, enmity, sporting and social significance that can possibly fetch the sum of N50 million to Ogene Ivite Foundation.
Yes, this season's Ijenoke was postponed by one month to enable people pay their children's school fees in September and yes, the teams are getting ready ahead of October's clashes.
There's an added desperation to win the season considering that Hon Akaoma's magic has denied the Orauba team the title for 3 consecutive seasons.
Isiokwe and Umunnoke have been in an epic rivalry that stretches magnificently across 5 years of Ijenoke competitions. By the way, during those 5 years, Isiokwe and Umunnoke have played 4 finals, and the glorious fact is these two enemies are: Isiokwe 3, Umunnoke 2 and Amerulu 1. It is very remarkable.
The above statistic reeks of testosterone and the primeval idea of "I will not be beaten by you," but in all Ijenoke finals, they've played. Isiokwe lead by one victory : Isiokwe 3, Umunnoke 2. It's simply astonishing.
However, this has become a super-charged fixture since, under the influence of Tony Oli & Chinedu Obidigwe, Isiokwe learned to be competitive.
The Umunnoke Orauba strength is Micheal Obiefune's outstanding performances. If Umunnoke is to win this season, then surely this explosive medical genius who has been Orauba's dominant player -coach will take the game by the scruff of the neck and motivate big boys like: Edwina Udenze, Udummili, Akummili motors, Ajilija, Gab Mabia, ES Emeka , Onyeka and other notable Ijeles. We also need to see him working with Akpali this season.
Who needs to step up this season? If there is any team that is not living up to the expectations, it's Umuawunu. Hopefully, the Aguleri National Youth President, Ijele Emeka Chinwuba would use this season to make a strong statement by mobilizing his Umuawunu brothers to answer their fathers name. Ijele Arinze Nwuvo and Sunday Chinwuba would also be highly needed.
Umungalagu is tasty at this year's Ijenoke. They have not been doing so well in the past but there is high expectation that the arrival of Ekene will not only help Alpho Bolton in the mid field but will be a big boost to Tony More's boys.
This contest will be a compendium of brilliant surprises that it would be impossible to claim the points will be assured by just one head-to-head battle.
This is another opportunity for Owelolie, IG Aniegboke's men to sort it out with rival Okpu Okeosisi team. We know their capacities which are always 4th & 5th positions. One special feature of Okpu Okeosisi team is that George Udedibia has a way of hyping the team but on the other side of Owelolie, AKULUOUNO Aguleri, Ochiliozuo & Orimili are equal to the task.
With Confidence Azodo's energy, Eri and Rolex they can still keep Abor at their regular 3rd position.
What I'd guess is that there are going to be opportunities for the team with the youngest players, Mr Obi Nnacheta and Nnamdi Ikeli's Amerulu team has never disappointed in the past.
For Okpodo, it's painful that despite that their son CJ Mbanefo is celebrated as the first player to score N1m goal in the history of the competition, he is yet to get a good assistant.
Finally, the one million dollar question is : who will win Ijenoke Ogene Ivite 2023 ?