By Ikenna Nwokedi
Lampada FC of Oko has claimed victory as Champions of the inaugural 2025 Anambra State Football League.
The tournament is an initiative of the Anambra State Football Association (ANSFA) bankrolled by Akubudike Energy Ltd.
Lampada FC saw off Rangels FA of Achina 3-2 via penalty shootouts after the game ended 1-1 at regulation time with goals scored by Chijioke Mba in the 5th minute for Rangels FA and an equalizer five minutes from time which came through a volley from Sunday Nwachukwu to take the match to penalty shootouts.
Lampada FC smiled home with the sum of N2million while Rangels FA settled for N1million with N500 thousand going to Game Changers FC who finished third after seeing off Bonfa FA in the third/fourth placed playoffs earlier in the day with Pele Chiemerie’s goal in the 84th minute of the game. Bonfa FA were also rewarded with the sum of N200 thousand as consolation prize for their efforts.
The Most Valuable Player (MVP) award went to Nelson Nwachukwu of Lampada FC, Joseph Okeke of Rangels FA emerged as the Best Goalkeeper of the competition with Chikwado Oramalu of Game Changers FC taking the gong as the Highest Goal Scorer.
In his reaction after the match, the Sponsor and MD/CEO of Akubudike Energy Ltd, Chief Jim Martins Nwabueze stated that the competition has provided an avenue to identify football talents domiciled in various nooks and crannies of the state.
Chief Nwabueze who was represented by Chief Sunny Anene assured that the competition has come to stay and will be further energized in subsequent editions.
The sponsor commended the ANSFA for the smooth and professional organization of the competition will also praising the various teams and players for their conduct during the course of the football fiesta.
In his remarks, the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Onyekachi Ibezim who was represented by Barr. Odira Ezeh appraised the ANSFA for the initiative geared towards engaging the youths through the instrumentality of football while praising Akubudike Energy Ltd for bankrolling the competition.
The number two citizen of the state assured that Gov. Soludo’s administration has the mandate of putting in place an enabling environment for Ndi Anambra in all sectors to boost human capital development.
Also speaking, the Chairman of ANSFA, Chief Iloenyosi eulogized Chief Nwabueze for bankrolling the football competition that has aided the growth of the game in the state. The ANSFA boss assured that under his watch there will be more footballing activities geared towards promotion of the growth of the game.
Chief Iloenyosi eulogized the Executive Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Soludo and his Deputy, Dr. Ibezim for providing an enabling environment for the growth of the round leather game in the state.
On his part, the Vice-Chairman of ANSFA, Chief Sir Victor Aniekwena was full of praise for Akubudike Energy Ltd for being a great lover and supporter of the game through the sponsorship of the State Football League. Sir Aniekwena assured that the current ANSFA board is poised in taking football growth in the state to the next level.
Others who expressed their views by commending Akubudike Energy Ltd and the ANSFA for the wonderful football programme were Hon. Cyril Ibeabuchi, High Chief Emeka Nwosu, Mr. Emmanuel Emenogu and Mrs Cordelia Akanna.
The grand finale also featured a special award presentation to Chief Jim Nwabueze from the ANSFA Board.
