Maureen Madu Accepts Apology From Man Behind Football Academy Invasion
Former Super Falcons striker, Maureen Madu, has accepted the apology of Uchenna Onyekwunife, the father of a female football trainee, who led an invasion of the Maureen Madu Football Academy in Anambra last October.
Onyekwunife, who had enrolled his daughter in the academy, stormed the facility alongside officers from the Special Anti-Cult Squad, Ukpo, assaulting Madu and some of her players over what later proved to be baseless allegations. The incident prompted Madu and her players to protest against police brutality at both the state Police Command and Zone 13 Headquarters in Anambra.
In a letter of apology, Onyekwunife expressed regret over the misunderstanding and the embarrassment caused by the incident. He acknowledged Madu’s dedication to youth development through football and pledged his support for her academy.
“Contrary to what I was told, you run a credible football academy and are committed to developing young talents. I promise to support the Maureen Madu Football Academy in any way I can to help achieve its objectives,” he wrote.
Madu revealed that she decided to let go of the matter following interventions from elders in her community and Onyekwunife’s sincere oral and written apologies.
“I cannot jeopardize the future of the girl or remain in conflict with her father when he has shown genuine remorse,” Madu stated. “My commitment remains to help young girls develop their football careers.”
She confirmed that she was withdrawing the case from wherever it had been reported, hoping such an incident would not happen again.
“This has been a tough six months for me, but to err is human. He has apologized, and with the intervention of my community, we just have to move on. His daughter is still passionate about football, and I won’t stand in the way of her dreams.”
Madu also extended her gratitude to the media, coaches, TV stations, and the parents of her players for their support throughout the ordeal.
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