Awka – Football followers in Anamabra have lauded FC Ifeanyi Ubah for being the first professional football club from the state to win the Nigerian Federation Cup.
They expressed their opinion in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka, Anambra on Sunday.
NAN reports that FC Ifeanyi Ubah on Sunday defeated Nasarawa United of Lafia 5-4 on penalties in the Federation Cup final match played at the Teslim Balogun stadium.
Former Nigerian international and erstwhile Green Eagles goalkeeper, Emmanuel Okala, described the team’s victory on Sunday as joyful.
Okala said it was great that a club side from the state lifted the cup in his lifetime and urged the management of the club to remain focused.
“It is a thing of joy, we are happy and proud of what had happened, I want them to remain focused.
“The great strides of Ifeanyi Ubah in sports is impressive, its employment generation is great, and this victory is good thing for Nigerian football.
“As they have qualified to go continental. My advice is that they fortify the team and comeback with greater laurel for Nigeria and Anambra,” he said.
Also reacting to the team’s victory, Rommy Ezeonwuka, Managing Director of Rojenny Games Village and Tourist Centre, Oba, told NAN that the feat was a good development in Anambra.
Ezeonwuka congratulated the Nnewi-based club side for meeting the expectations of football fans and doing the state proud.
“It is a good omen for our sports, it simply shows that victory is possible if the necessary commitment is shown,” he said.
Also congratulating the team, Arthur Ebunam, a sports enthusiast, said he was glad to be part of the history, adding that the feat is the first for any team in Anambra.
He called on the management of the club to ensure that the members of the team were well mobilised to sustain the success.
Another football enthusiast, Okwuchukwu Anazodo said he was elated by strides made by FC Ifeanyi Uba.
Anazodo said the victory was a justification for immense contributions of the Nnewi billionaire to Nigerian nay Anambra football.
“We all are winner in Anambra and great credit goes to the one who made it possible, Chief Ifeanyi Ubah,” he said.
Veteran sports journalist and broadcaster, Ikem Asika, described the victory as a sign of great things to come in Anambra sports.
Asika said it would motivate more privately-owned club sides and called on the Anambra Government to render all necessary assistance to the club execute its continental campaign.
