In the 1977 National Academicals Cup competition, the Government College Umuahia (GCU) football team emerged Imo State champions by beating National High School, Aba- 2 goals to nil. Following this victory, GCU became the state representative in the National Secondary Schools Academicals competition. In preparation for the upcoming keenly contested encounter, the GCU team, led by Clement Oti, commenced intensive training at the National High School football pitch before moving to Nsulu Games Village, where better training facilities were provided. After three (3)weeks of camping, the team moved to Lagos on the 8th of December, 1977. The first match was played on the 12th of December,1977, against Sokoto Govt College who were thrashed 7 goals to 1.The second match was played on 15th December, 1977, against Ondo Methodist High School who we beat 5-2 inspite of their 2-1 lead at half-time. These victories, though hard-earned, were not as difficult as winning the Anambra State- inspired protests which almost kicked us off the competition. We were accused of illegitimate recruitment of some of our players.The disciplinary committee had to insist on our producing the Admission Register to ascertain the eligibility of some players and confirm the propriety of their enrollment at GCU. The transfer of Moneke from DMGS to GCU was of particular concern to them. This necessitated our Head Coach’s(Mr Raymond Ohaeri )dramatic return trip to Umuahia to address the issue. After considering the argument we put up by asking the Disciplinary Committee to refer to West African Examination Council (WAEC),Yaba, for clarification in respect of Vincent Moneke who was purportedly enrolled in DMGS,Onitsha, the Chairman ruled that Imo State Academicals represented by Government College, Umuahia, should then play against Kaduna State Champions.Before our head coach returned from Imo,we had played and beaten Kaduna Comprehensive College by 2 goals to 1 on 18th December, 1977 to qualify for the finals against our formidable adversary, the Anambra State Champions . It was a classic pulsating encounter that ended in a 2 to 1 victory for Government College, Umuahia.
By
Team Coach…Ray Ohaeri
Assistant…late Asoluka C
Organizing Sec…Emeka Ibuaka
GCU Games Master…Mr Okoro O.
Football Capt…Oti O C.
