Anambra FA to stage novelty match for Ubah
July 30, 2026 12:03 am
Late Ubah (left) and Iloenyosi
The Anambra State Football Association will stage a novelty match on August 1 to honour the memory of its former chairman, the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, as part of activities marking the second anniversary of his death.
According to the chairman of the ANSFA Media Committee, Ralph George, the memorial fixture will be played at the FC Ifeanyi Ubah Stadium along Ozubulu Road in Nnewi.
Ubah, fondly known as Ebubechukwu Uzo, served as Chairman of the Anambra State Football Association between 2016 and 2020, a period widely regarded as transformative for football in the state.
During his tenure, he introduced the One Family, One Footballer initiative, a grassroots development programme launched in both Nigeria and Russia during the 2018 World Cup in the presence of FIFA President, Gianni Infantino. The initiative was aimed at identifying and nurturing young football talents across Anambra State.
In August 2016, the late senator also brokered a landmark partnership between his club, FC Ifeanyi Ubah, and English Premier League side West Ham United, describing the agreement as a major step towards advancing his club, Nigerian football and the African game.
Under his leadership, FC Ifeanyi Ubah enjoyed one of the most successful periods in its history, winning the 2016 Federation Cup after defeating Nasarawa United 5-4 on penalties at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos. The triumph earned the club a place in the 2017 CAF Confederation Cup, where it represented Nigeria on the continental stage.
The businessman and founder of Capital Oil and Gas died on July 27, 2024. As part of activities commemorating his second memorial, the Chief Chikelue Iloenyosi-led ANSFA board has concluded plans for the novelty match to celebrate Ubah’s enduring contributions to football development in Anambra State and Nigeria.
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