Imo @ 50 Celebration: Okwara’s First-Half Rocket Fires ALGON Past Imo Assembly
The Association of Local Government Chairmen (ALGON) edged the Imo State House of Assembly (IMHA) 1–0 in a lively novelty football match that formed part of activities marking the Imo@50 Golden Jubilee celebration on Friday, February 6, at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri.
The entertaining encounter was officially kicked off by the Executive Governor of Imo State, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, setting the tone for a day that blended football, fun and statewide celebration.
From the opening whistle, it was clear that the match was more about vibes than tactics. With drums rolling, music blaring and fans cheering loudly, both teams thrilled the crowd with enthusiastic runs, mistimed tackles and passes that drew more laughter than gasps. Competition took a friendly back seat as entertainment dominated proceedings.
The decisive moment arrived late in the first half when Ideato South Local Government Chairman, Hon. Okey Okwara, popularly known as “Morocco,” produced a moment of brilliance. From well outside the penalty area, Okwara unleashed a thunderous shot that flew past the IMHA goalkeeper and into the net, sending the ALGON bench and supporters into wild celebrations. The stunning strike proved to be the only goal of the match.
IMHA responded with renewed energy after the break, pressing forward in search of an equaliser. Several efforts were launched at goal, but none found the target as ALGON held firm, protecting their slim lead with disciplined defending until the final whistle.
At the end of the game, Governor Uzodimma presented the novelty trophy to the victorious ALGON team, sealing their bragging rights in what was a memorable anniversary fixture.
Off the pitch, festivities continued as the Heartland Bikers delivered a thrilling power bike display around the stadium, drawing loud applause from spectators. Children also impressed the crowd with a colourful and well-coordinated calisthenics performance, further adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
The celebration extended beyond the stadium as part of the Imo@50 activities, with over 50 power bikers embarking on a one-day roadshow tour across the state’s three senatorial zones—Owerri, Okigwe and Orlu. The bikers, accompanied by security agencies and led by officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps, covered a total distance of 197.2 kilometres, making stops in the zones for brief receptions.
At each stop, local government chairmen and residents warmly welcomed the Imo@50 contingent, praising Governor Uzodimma’s leadership and infrastructural strides. The Sports Sub-committee Chairman and Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Evaristus Obinna Onyeocha, said the tour was designed to take the Golden Jubilee celebration to the grassroots and showcase the state’s improved road network and security.
In all, the novelty match and zonal tour underscored the spirit of unity, sportsmanship and shared heritage, reminding Imolites that at 50, the state has every reason to celebrate—on and off the pitch.
