By Chigozie Chukwuleta.
Agbiligba Village football team emerged victorious in the highly anticipated 2026 Emmanuel Okeke Memorial Nanka Inter Village Football Tournament, defeating Ubahu Village 2-0 in the final.
The highly competitive and closely contested event brought together various villages from the Nanka community.
In a thrilling final match, Agbiligba Village demonstrated remarkable resilience and skill as defending champions defeating Ubahu Village 2-0 to claim the coveted title and a cash prize of one million Naira.
The highly anticipated final match began with a flurry of breathtaking missed chances from Ubahu Village in the first 33 minutes. However both teams created scoring opportunities but failed to capitalize on them.
But the deadlock was broken in the 34th minute when Kingsley Anwuchape scored a stunning volley that found the far corner of the post, leaving the Ubahu Village goalkeeper, Oguadimma Chibuike with no chance.
The goal sparked jubilation among Agbiligba Village supporters, who danced to the beautiful tunes from a live band provided by the organisers exhibiting confidence that their team would go on to win the championship for the second time
In the second half, Agbiligba Village sealed their victory with a 63rd-minute consolidation strike from Chigozie Enemuo, which further dented the morale of the Ubahu Village team.
Despite their best efforts, Ubahu Village was unable to score, thanks to the exceptional goalkeeping of Onyemmeli, who made several crucial saves to deny the opposition.
Although Ubahu Village did not win the championship, they were awarded 700,000 Naira for their participation. Ifite Village, which defeated Amakor Village 1-0 to finish third, took home 500,000 Naira.
During the medals and trophies presentation ceremony, the traditional ruler of Nanka, HRH Igwe Godwin OgoChukwu Ezeilo offered an elaborate prayer for further growth and development of the Nanka community.
He expressed gratitude to the sponsor, Dr. Charity Nwosu-Okeke, for choosing to honor her late husband’s memory through football, a sport that has become a unifying force in the community.
The traditional ruler prayed for continued financial blessings to ensure the tournament’s growth, noting that Nanka is fast becoming a football destination in the state.
Former Vice President of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene, also spoke at the event, thanking the sponsor for her bold initiative.
He encouraged the Nanka youth to continue to see football as a unifying force that promotes friendship, dialogue, and healthy competition.
“While thanking the sponsor for the bold step of honouring her husband in such a large scale, I encourage the Nanka youth to continue to see football as a unifying force that promotes friendship, dialogue, and healthy dialogue,” he said.
The sponsor, Dr. Charity Nwosu-Okeke, became emotional as she thanked the traditional ruler and other stakeholders for their support.
She stated that the tournament is a legacy she wants to keep for her late husband, who loved and played football.
“I am overwhelmed by the level of unity football is bringing to Nanka. Let the lights keep shining and the flag keep flying. The unity is amazing and what brings us together is more than what can divide us,” she said.
Dr Nwosu-Okeke urged everyone to help keep her late husband’s memory alive through the tournament.
The champions, Agbiligba Village, swept all the individual awards, with Chukwuka Ezemba named the Most Valuable Player, Kingsley Anwuchape taking home the highest goal scorer award, and Agusiobo Onyemmeli winning the Best Goalkeeper award.
The ceremony also featured the presentation of medals to distinguished sons of Nanka community, including the Royal father, LOC members, referees, and others, adding to the festive atmosphere of the event.
