Chairman, Anambra Football Association, Chikelue Iloenyosi, has pledged support for the second edition of the FCT Nigeria Union of Journalists correspondent chapel football tournament.

The three-day tournament tagged “Football for friendship and peace” is slated for July 11 to July 13 at the Old Parade Ground, Area 10, Abuja.

At a news conference on Tuesday to unveil the former Super Eagles player as a brand ambassador for the tournament, Mr Iloenyosi stressed the importance of such events for journalists.

He said, “I am honoured and happy today because of this great event that we are about to do. Not only because l am made the ambassador, I am going to support it massively. Somebody asked me why is it that every time they give me an award. I have been in office for one and half year and l have received 17 awards because l am into grass-roots football and l am doing it with passion. That’s why my governor has trust in me in everything I do.’’

Earlier, Chairman, FCT NUJ correspondents’ chapel, Jide Oyekunle, underscored the power of football in promoting unity among Nigerians.

He said the chapel decided to use sports, particularly football. to unite and strengthen the relationship between the media and participating organisations.

“Football does not have language. Football is an integral activity that unites the people and has the power to change the world irrespective of the religion, ethnic and political background. Football makes people forget their differences because it is a unifying factor. It heals wounds and bonds people together. It is one of the antidotes for physical fitness and mental health and alertness, which we all need particularly in the face of the present economic realities and hardship,” he said.

Twelve teams will take part in the much anticipated tournament.

They include; NUJ Correspondent chapel, NNPC, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigerian Bar Association and the Federal High Court.

Others are the Nigerian Medical Association, Federal Road Safety Commission, AIBEN Group, the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency and the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria.

(NAN)