By Udo Toby Prince
Football is not just a game; it’s a passion, lifestyle and tradition. It overrides culture, religion and race, as it unites the whole world.
We have seen professionals from other field, turn the tide to football, just to fulfil their childhood dream. A typical example is former Nigeria international, Julius Aghahowa, who left the Nigeria police force to play football.
In Rev Fr Andrew Eze, we have a personality who didn’t drop the Cassock or forsake his congregation for football, rather, accomplishes both task simultaneously.
Born on June 9, 1971, Andrew Eze was ordained a Catholic priest in 2003 under the Nsukka Diocese of Enugu State.
The charismatic referee has been involved in the round leather game even before venturing into the priesthood. It is believed that the Enugu born preacher was highly involved in soccer while at the seminary.
So does being a cleric exonerate him from controversies on the pitch?
Rev Fr Eze has been linked with several disputes on the pitch while officiating. Most notably was last season’s week 14 encounter between Crown FC and Warri Wolves in Ibadan. The priest awarded a debated penalty to the home team which marred the game.
Notwithstanding the rumpus, the clergyman is still one of the best umpires in the country. His last outing was at the weekend in Uyo, when Warri Wolves shared the spoils with their host, Akwa United, in a match that ended with one goal apiece.
Call it multitasking or passion, Rev Fr Eze has proven that you can always be whom you want to be, if you just believe.
