Onyekwunife Apologizes over Invasion of Maureen Madu Football Academy

By Ikemefuna Asika

Maureen Madu, a former Super Falcons Striker and Coach says she has forgiven Mr Uchenna Onyekwunife, father of a female football trainee who invaded her football’ academy and assaulted her and some players in October last year.

Recall that Onyekwunife who enrolled his daughter in the Academy, stormed the facility with a team of Police Operatives from the Special Anti Cult Squad, Ukpo who proceeded to assault the veteran footballer and some of her players over unfounded allegations.

Madu and her players later sent a protest letter detailing the alleged police brutality to the Anambra State Police Command Headquarters Amawbia and Zone 13 Headquarters in Ukpo.

AnambraDaily gathered that as part of the step towards amicable resolution of the incident, the assailant, Mr. Onyekwunife had written an apology to Maureen Madu where he expressed regret over the misunderstanding and embarrassment arising from enrolling her daughter in the ‘Maureen Madu Football’ academy.

He thanked Madu for her kind disposition to amicable resolution of the issues and accepting to continue to impact skills and mentor his daughter.

“Contrary to what I was told, you run a credible football academy and champion youth development through sports.

“I pledge to support Maureen Madu Football Academy in any way I can to ensure the objectives of the Academy were realised,” he said.

Maureen said she decided to move on after some elders in her community prevailed on her following oral and written apology from Onyekwunife.

She said she could not put the future of Onyekwunife daughter in jeopardy by rejecting her and continuing to be in crisis with her father when he had profusely expressed regret for his actions.

She said she remained committed to helping the girl child and encouraging them to become good footballers in future.

Madu said she was putting the matter to an end with the hope that it would not repeat again.

“I feel pained by the whole saga which has lasted for six months but to err is human, he has apologised, my community people have intervened and we just have to move on.

“The girl is still interested in football, the father told me how eager she is to come back and I cannot stop her from pursuing her passion.

“I want to specially thank everyone, the media, coaches connect, TV stations for their solidarity, the the parents of my players for their understanding and support,” she said.