The draws for the 2026 NEROS Pharmaceutical Ltd sponsored Anambra Football Association Cup competition came to a fitting end at the Maxilon Hotel, Awka, with six teams on stand-by.
Angel Network News (ANN) reports that the title holders, Edel FC, 2023 winners, Ozalla Football Academy, 2025 runners-up Peace FC, Obosi Utd, Rangels and BONFA were drawn by after the conclusion of the draws by the ANSFA Secretary, Ralph Nweke.
Declaring the event open, Chairman of the Anambra State Football Association, Chief Chikelue ‘General’ Iloenyosi, recalled that the FA Cup is the only competition open to all cadre of teams in the land.
The former Nigeria International said the FA Cup is a channel through which young talents are discovered and nutured to limelight.
Tracing his career path through the FA Cup, Iloenyosi narrated how he played in all categories of the National teams, having started his playing career in Abakaliki under Sir Victor Nwangwu.
“The Challenge Cup, as it was then known, is a competition that offers opportunity for young players to be discovered and nutured to limelight”, Iloenyosi began in his charismatic and humorous manner.
“I was able to play for the Nigeria U-17, U-20, U-23 and Super Eagles was down to my involvement in the FA Cup competition.
“I played under Sir Victor Nwangwu then in Abakaliki. He never knew then that I would make a big lift in Football but then, here we are today.
“As I declare this competition open, I wish all the participating teams good luck in the competition good luck”, ‘General’ Iloenyosi said.
According to the draws, Amanda FC will lock horns with Black Smithers in the opening match scheduled for NEROS Stadium, Nanka, on April 9.
ANN gathered that on April 10, Bishop Owen Nwokolo Football Academy, BONFA, will battle Emma Okeke FC for a place in the quarter finals at a venue yet to be determined by the FA.
The final will take place at NEROS Stadium, Nanka, on April 26.
As has been the case since NEROS Pharmaceuticals Ltd took over sponsorship of the competition in 2006, overall winners will receive a cash of N2m while first runners-up will smile home with N1m.
