Sports

NFF pays tribute to deceased FC owners, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Ifeanyi Ubah

"We are saddened by the deaths of Chief Iwuanyanwu and Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Ubah. Senator Ubah told me about two weeks ago that he was going to London; I had no idea it would be the last communication between us."

618

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has paid glowing tributes to former football club owners, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu and Sen. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah, who both passed away during the week.

On Thursday, July 25, 2024, Iwuanyanwu, who took over the former Spartans Football Club of Owerri (1981 WAFU Cup losing finalists) and renamed it Iwuanyanwu Nationale, died at the age of 82.

Persecondnews reports that Sen. Ubah, who took over the slot of Gabros International of Nnewi in the Nigerian top division, with the club renamed FC IfeanyiUbah, died in a London hospital in the morning of Saturday, July 27. He was 52.

In a statement on Saturday from the NFF Communications Department, its President, Ibrahim Gusau, expressed shock and sadness at the deaths of the prominent personalities.

He said: “We are saddened by the deaths of Chief Iwuanyanwu and Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Ubah. Senator Ubah told me about two weeks ago that he was going to London. I had no idea it would be the last communication between us.

“The two men invested in Nigerian football, thereby empowering the youth and helping to grow the game in our country.

They will be missed. I remember how Iwuanyanwu Nationale advanced to the final of the African Champion Clubs’ Cup in 1988. I also remember that FC IfeanyiUbah played in the CAF Confederation Cup in 2017.

“There are great memories of the two football financiers. The NFF and the Nigeria football fraternity pray that the Almighty will grant them eternal rest and grant their loved ones the fortitude to bear the big losses,” Gusau added.

In 1988, Iwuanyanwu Nationale reached the final of the old-style African Champion Clubs’ Cup competition, losing 1-4 on aggregate to Entente Setif of Algeria.

FC Ifeanyi Ubah lost to Al Masry of Egypt after a penalty shootout in the CAF Confederation Cup seven years ago.

Leave a comment

Related Articles

Super Eagles Eye AFCON Finals Ticket Against Benin Republic

Nigeria’s Super Eagles are poised to secure their spot in the 2025...

FIFA announces draw date for expanded Club World Cup

FIFA has revealed that the draws for the newly expanded Club World...

Super Eagles Land in Abidjan, Gear Up for Benin Republic Clash

The Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles, has arrived in Abidjan,...

Exclusive: Nigerian heptathlon star, Oluwakemi Ruth Francis, slams AFN, its poor welfare

Nigerian heptathlete Oluwakemi Ruth Francis has opened up about her tumultuous experience...

Manchester United legend, Ruud Van Nistelrooy, departs club after interim stint

Manchester United has confirmed the departure of Ruud Van Nistelrooy, the club...

Osimhen’s Brace Powers Galatasaray to 3-2 Win Over Samsunspor

Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen led Galatasaray to a thrilling 3-2 victory over...

Brighton stun Manchester City with 2-1 comeback win

Brighton & Hove Albion pulled off a stunning 2-1 comeback win over...

Chelsea smashes UEFA Conference League record with 8-0 thrashing of Noah

Chelsea FC made history in the UEFA Conference League, securing a staggering...

Arteta Gives Rice Injury Boost Ahead of Chelsea Clash

Midfielder Declan Rice will have every chance to demonstrate his fitness before...

Arsenal suffer controversial Champions League defeat to Inter Milan

Arsenal’s Champions League campaign suffered a setback as they fell to a...

Lobi Stars unveil Finnish tactician, Mika Lönnström, as new head coach

Lobi Stars Football Club of Makurdi has officially unveiled Mika Lönnström, a...

NFF in talks with Dangote, BUA for foreign coach payment

In a bid to address the long-standing issue of payment for foreign...

FIFA Pres. congratulates Donald Trump ahead of 2026 World Cup

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has extended congratulations to Donald Trump on his...

Super Falcons to Face France in November Friendly

The Nigerian women’s national team, the Super Falcons, will face France in...

Guardiola admits Manchester City’s struggle amid injury crisis

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has acknowledged that the club will struggle...

Pres.Tinubu Unveils Ambitious Plan to Revamp Nigeria’s Dilapidated Stadiums

The Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, has outlined...

CAF ruling against Libya: Nigerian govt. promises to protect its citizens in Libya

Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to...

Breaking: Manchester United Appoints Ruben Amorim as New Manager on Two-and-a-Half Year Deal

Manchester United has confirmed the appointment of Ruben Amorim as the club’s...

Golden Jubilee: Soneye Strikes decisive goal as FS 50 edges Okocha’s FS Legends 2-1

In a thrilling match commemorating Mr. Olufemi Soneye’s 50th birthday, Team FS...