By Chigozie Chukwuleta/Ikenna Nwokedi
Nkpor Branch and Ifite Village have emerged as the male and female champions of the 2025/2026 Nanka Champions League, a prestigious annual tournament sponsored by Professor Poly Emenike.
The remarkable achievement earned by outstanding performances by the two teams marks a triumphant moment for them in the history of the tournament.
Nkpor Branch defeated Ota Branch by a lone goal scored by Ikenna Okoye in the 23rd minute from a corner kick in a pulsating contest played on Thursday, 1st January, 2026 at the Neros Stadium Nanka to take home the star prize of N1.5 million.
Ota Branch settled for the second prize of N900 thousand. Bayelsa Branch who defeated Students Union Branch 3-2 in the third and fourth placed playoffs took home N600 thousand with Students Union Branch settling for the fourth prize of N150 thousand.
Ekene Asiegbu of Ota Branch emerged as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the competition, Innocent Ifedili of Nkpor Branch was adjudged the Best Goalkeeper while Obinna Ozue of Students Union Branch took the award for the Highest Goal Scorer with a total of 6 goals.
In the second edition of the Nanka Women’s Champions League, Chinecherem Nwankwo’s goal in injury time ensured Ifite Village defeated Ubahu Village by a lone goal for the star prize of N1million as Ubahu Village went home with the second prize of N500 thousand.
Amakor Village obliterated Umudala Village by three goals to nil in the third and fourth placed playoffs to take home N300 thousand as the latter settled for N150 thousand.
The individual awards in the female version saw Ujunwa Okoli of Ifite Village clinching the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, Vivian Ezeokeke of Ifite Village was the Best Goalkeeper of the championship, Best Coach award went to Chidubem Okoli of Ifite Village while the Highest Goal Scorer award was clinched by Ifunanya Obi of Ubahu Village having scored six goals in the competition.
Reacting after the grand finale, Chief Prof. Poly Emenike congratulated the sides for emerging the winners of the annual biggest grassroots football competition in the state which has churned out professional footballers now plying their trade in top football clubs in the land and abroad.
He assured of his continuous unwavering support towards the success story of the annual landmark football competition.
On his part, Chief Chinedu Olisa (Eze Omeogo), sponsor of Hilltop Queens Ubahu eulogized Prof. Poly Emenike for his immense contributions and support to football growth and development in the community and state at large.
Chief Olisa highlighted the impact of football in engaging the youths especially the female gender. The Nanka Chieftain assured of his support towards the growth of Women’s football in Nanka community and by extension the Local Government.
Highlights of this year’s Nanka Champions League was presentation of the Distinguished Service Award (SDSA) to Prof. Poly Emenike by former Vice President SWAN South East, Chigozie Chukwuleta bagged during the 60th year anniversary celebration of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) and ceremonial kickoff of the grand finale performed by Chief Chinedu Olisa.
