The Federal Capital Territory, Abuja is now agog as some football legends, celebrities and Super Eagles players are around for the maiden edition of Attom Charity Champions Cup billed to take place at the MKO Abiola Stadium on Saturday, June 15.
The Charity Champions Cup, an initiative of the Attom Foundation aims to raise funds and awareness to help at least 10,000 Nigerians, particularly the elderly, address vision problems caused by refractive errors, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma.
Leading the star cast of legends is the Arsenal quartet of Emmanuel Eboue, Roberto Pires, Sol Campbell and the gangling Kanu Nwankwo who were all part of the unforgettable Invincibles.
Other confirmed legends for the charity match include Mark Fish (South Africa), Dida (Brazil) and Nigeria’s Austin JayJay Okocha.
Speaking with journalists at a press briefing at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja ahead of Saturday’s spectacle, Eboue said he was particularly delighted to be in Nigeria even as he called on residents of FCT and it’s environs to turn out enmasse to see their superstars live, having only seen most of them on the TV screens.
“We are here to make people happy. Some people see us on TV but they have never seen us in real life. We are here to tell them we are here,” Eboue declared.
“We want them to come to the stadium tomorrow (Saturday) and see us. It’s good to meet them. I’m here with my brothers to make people happy so please tell them to come tomorrow and they will see us.”
Apart from the foreign stars, a long list of past and present Super Eagles players are also on board to contribute their quota to the laudable initiative.
Those in town include Kenneth Omeruo, Samuel Chukwueze, Kelechi Iheanacho, Joseph Yobo, Vincent Enyeama, Wilfred Ndidi, Chidozie Awaziem and a host of others.
Attom Foundation Charity Champions Cup has garnered support from local and international partners such as the Federal Ministry of Sports Development, Associazione Italiana Arbitri, Kaffy Kreative Agency, Trascorp Hilton, Zenith Bank, Ibom Air, Kanu Heart Foundation, Habib Medical Clinic, Red Bull, Amstel Malt Ultra and Cossington Luxury Apartments among others.
Speaking at Friday’s media parley ahead of Saturday’s show, Omeruo commended the organizers for their drive to give back to the society while also calling on fans to come out and cheer up their stars.
“This is a very important day for Nigeria and also for my brother and friend. He (Attom) is someone that has always supported people,” Omeruo said.
“When they mentioned this to me a long time ago, I saw it as a very important thing because I as a person, I am concerned about doing something for the blind because there are couple of them my foundation contributes to.
“When the founder, Attom Yahaya told me the idea behind this, I was excited and it is actually in my city as well, Abuja so why won’t I be here?
“And it’s good to be here, I have not seen some other celebrities, ‘Jay Jay Okocha is here, Kanu is here and it is important to have them. I will be ready tomorrow, I don’t know if I would be on the pitch as a goalkeeper because I am still recovering.
“I also want to thank the organizers of this event and I hope and pray that it will be a success today and also tomorrow. Thank you. Abuja, come out and support and have fun,” Omeruo added.
Joining the football superstars for the action are some of the country’s celebrities like AY Makun, Mr. Macaroni, Kaffy, Shaggy, Brain Jotter and many more.
