By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
The Anambra State Football Association (ANSFA) will stage a novelty football match on Saturday, August 1, 2026, in honour of its former chairman, the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, as part of activities marking the second anniversary of his passing.
According to the Chairman of the ANSFA Media Committee, Ralph Chidozie George, the memorial match will be played at the FC Ifeanyi Ubah Stadium along Ozubulu Road in Nnewi.
The event is aimed at celebrating the enduring legacy of the former football administrator, whose leadership is widely credited with transforming the state’s football landscape between 2016 and 2020.
During his tenure, Ubah introduced the “One Family, One Footballer” initiative, a grassroots football development programme launched in both Nigeria and Russia during the 2018 FIFA World Cup, with FIFA President Gianni Infantino in attendance.
He also secured a landmark partnership between FC Ifeanyi Ubah and English Premier League side West Ham United in 2016, a collaboration designed to boost football development in Nigeria and across Africa.
The late businessman also guided FC Ifeanyi Ubah to its first major trophy, winning the 2016 President Federation Cup after defeating Nasarawa United 5-4 on penalties in Lagos.
The triumph earned the club Nigeria’s ticket to the 2017 CAF Confederation Cup.
Senator Ubah passed away on July 27, 2024. The Chikelue Iloenyosi-led ANSFA board says the memorial novelty match is part of efforts to preserve the remarkable contributions of the former Capital Oil and Gas chairman to football development in Anambra State and Nigeria.
