Port Harcourt will host the maiden edition of a 32-team football tournament, christened the Brown Ideye Challenge.
Olympiakos striker, Brown Ideye, has decided to keep the youth of Port Harcourt and its environs busy by putting his resources to sponsor the one month fiesta.
“It’s something I have planned to do for some time and I believe the youth of Port Harcourt will greatly benefit from this chance to showcase their talent to the world,” Ideye said.
“A lot of people want to play football but do not get the chance to do it at any level whatsoever, so I believe this will be one opportunity for them to shine.”
Secretary of the Local Organising Committee of the event, Sanipe Damiete Tonte revealed that after discussing with Ideye, the tournament will open registration on Saturday, April 23, 2016 and will close one week later.
“We have been planning this tournament since December last year and we always had it in mind that it will hold at this time.
“We propose that the event kicks off on Wednesday, May 2 with the final match before the end of the month of May with Brown Ideye himself present on the day,” Damiete said.
“Already we have received a lot of messages and calls from Football Clubs in Port Harcourt on their intention to be part of it so we know there will be a rush to pick up forms. One week will be enough for registration for the tournament.”
Brown Ideye started his football career with Ocean Boys FC, then moved to Nuechatel Xamax, Sochaux, Dinamo Kiev and then West Bromich Albion.