Anambra FA to honour Ifeanyi Ubah as Chikelue applauds Kenneth Maduakor’s support for football
Sports Correspondent
The Anambra State Football Association (ANSFA) will on Saturday, August 1, stage a novelty football match in honour of its former chairman, the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, as part of activities commemorating the second anniversary of his passing.
The memorial initiative is spearheaded by ANSFA Chairman, Chikelue Iloenyosi, and is principally facilitated and powered by renowned Nnewi businessman and philanthropist, Chief Kenneth Maduakor (Ken Azia), whose unwavering support for grassroots football and youth development has earned widespread admiration across Anambra State.
According to ANSFA Media Committee Chairman, Ralph Chidozie George, the novelty match will be held at the FC Ifeanyi Ubah Stadium, Ozubulu Road, Nnewi, bringing together football stakeholders, former players, administrators, friends and admirers to celebrate the enduring legacy of one of Anambra’s most influential football figures.
Speaking ahead of the event, ANSFA Chairman Chikelue Iloenyosi paid glowing tribute to Chief Kenneth Maduakor for his exceptional commitment to the success of the memorial programme and his long-standing contributions to football development in Nnewi and beyond.
“Chief Kenneth Maduakor has consistently demonstrated an uncommon passion for football and youth development. His selfless support for grassroots football and his willingness to invest in initiatives that positively impact young people deserve commendation. We deeply appreciate his generosity, vision and commitment to ensuring that the legacy of our late chairman, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, continues to inspire generations,” Iloenyosi said.
He added that Maduakor’s role as the chief facilitator of the memorial match reflects his enduring belief in using sports as a platform for unity, talent discovery and community development.
Popularly known as Ken Azia, Chief Kenneth Maduakor is widely respected for his philanthropic activities and his support for community and youth-focused initiatives in Nnewi. His sustained backing of grassroots football programmes has helped create opportunities for aspiring footballers while strengthening the development of the game at the local level.
During his tenure as ANSFA Chairman from 2016 to 2020, the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah transformed football administration in the state. He introduced the landmark “One Family, One Footballer” initiative, launched during the 2018 FIFA World Cup, secured a strategic partnership between FC Ifeanyi Ubah and English Premier League side West Ham United, and guided the club to its historic 2016 President Federation Cup triumph before representing Nigeria in the 2017 CAF Confederation Cup.
Senator Ifeanyi Ubah passed away on July 27, 2024. Through the Chikelue Iloenyosi-led initiative, powered by Chief Kenneth Maduakor, ANSFA says the memorial novelty match will celebrate the late senator’s remarkable contributions to football while inspiring a new generation to uphold his vision for sports development in Anambra State.
