Ifeanyi Chiejine Cup: LOC Chairperson reveal reasons for the tournament

By Saheed Afolabi

The Chairperson of the maiden Ifeanyi Chiejine Memorial Cup, Ada Edwards says giving meaning to fallen heroes was the major reason behind the tournament which will take place in December 2022.

“The reason behind the tournament is very simple. It’s giving meaning to our fallen heroes.

Ifeanyi Chiejine is a player that I met while she was in the Super Falcons way back. At the same time I met Judith Chime. We all became friends despite the fact that I was far older than them but they were junior friends. At that time, being a member of the supporters club, I use to visit them, and buy them one or two things to encourage them. I was at that time also the fashion designer making their apparel. It was when I came to measure them that I met all of them.

“Ifeanyi Chiejine was the youngest at that time amongst the players and always on the quiet side though. Sometimes she would crack one or two jokes and we will all laugh about it. That was how I met them. I didn’t hear much about her for a long time. The next thing I heard was that she was sick. Before we say Jack Robinson she died. I feel that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and other organisations didn’t do enough to help her out.” Ada Edwards told pressmen.

Ifeanyi Chiejine Memorial Cup will take place from December 15 to 21, 2022, in Asaba, Delta State capital.

“Trying to immortalise her name is something that I worthwhile. At the same time, we are trying to see if we can get another Ifeanyi Chiejine back on their feet. The young ones to see how we can reproduce Ifeanyi Chiejine again. Basically, those are the reasons behind the tournament; to immortalise and see if we can bring up another Ifeanyi Chiejine.” Ada Edwards concluded.

Eight teams will participate in the competition which is aimed to immortalise Late Ifeanyi Chiejine and discover new talents for Super Falcons.