Peace FC of Awka defeated Ogbaru FC 2-1 in the opening match of the maiden edition of the 2025 ANSFA Anambra State Football League sponsored by Chief Jim Martin Nwabueze, MD/CEO of Akubudike Energy Ltd.
Angel Network News (ANN) reports that
Ejike Justice and Chidi Nnachor were the scorers for Peace FC with both hitting the opponent’s net in the 10th and 49th minutes respectively while Onyekwelu Agha reduced the deficit just before the end of the game as time ran out on Ogbaru FC.
Earlier on in an entertaining female football match before the curtain raiser, Awka Angels obliterated Dynamite Angels FC of Oko 4-1 as Oluchi Akujieze bagged a brace in the 52nd and 78th minutes while Chidubem Ofokaihe and Chioma Asiegbu were also on the score sheet scoring in the 48th and 69th minutes respectively with Ebele Nwobu’s goal in the 44th minute in the first stanza serving as a consolation goal for the Dynamite Ladies.
Speaking during the opening fixture, the MD/CEO of Akubudike Energy Ltd, Chief Martin Nwabueze fondly known as Akubudike N’ Umudioka stated that his passion for the game of football and the quest for the growth of the game at the grassroots level was his reason for bankrolling the maiden edition of the Anambra State Football League after many years of inactivity.
Chief Akubudike who was represented by Chief Sunny Anene commended the Anambra State Football Association (ANSFA) under the leadership of Chief Chikelue Iloenyosi for the vision and drive behind the initiative aimed at unearthing hidden talents at the grassroots level. He charged the various teams to exhibit the spirit of sportsmanship during the course of the competition.
On his part, ANSFA Boss, Chief Chikelue Iloenyosi described the moment as historic for football development in the state while affirming that it was one of the happiest days of his life owing to the partnership with Chief Nwabueze who loves the game of football and has shown interest in human capital development through sports especially football. Chief Iloenyosi informed that the competition is a platform to discover football talents in every nook and crannies of the state and bring them to limelight.
The Chairman NFF Disciplinary Committee, Barr. J.B.C Obikwelu appraised Chief Iloenyosi for his immense contributions towards the growth of the game in the land. The erstwhile Chairman of the ANSFA promised the sum of N1million in support of Chief Iloenyosi’s initiative through the Anambra State Football League.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Peace FC of Awka, Mr. Ifunanya Nwangwu eulogized Chief Iloenyosi for the initiative in bring back the state football league which has been in comatose. He noted that Peace FC has carved a niche in club football and are willing to do more and go higher in the current football season with display of football artistry and winning results.
Highpoints of the opening ceremony was the presentation of Patron Award to the sponsor and march past by participating teams.
