The Nigeria Football Federation has paid tribute to former football club owners, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu and Senator (Dr) Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah, who both passed away within two days of each other this week.
Chief Iwuanyanwu, who took over the former Spartans Football Club of Owerri (1981 WAFU Cup losing finalists) and renamed it Iwuanyanwu Nationale, died at the age of 82 on Thursday, July 25, 2024.
Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Ubah, who acquired Gabros International of Nnewi and renamed it FC IfeanyiUbah, died in a London hospital on the morning of Saturday, July 27. He was 52.
President of the NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, expressed shock and sadness at the loss of these prominent figures.
“We are deeply saddened by the deaths of Chief Iwuanyanwu and Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Ubah. Just two weeks ago, Senator Ubah mentioned he was heading to London; I never imagined it would be our last communication.
“Both men invested significantly in Nigerian football, empowering our youth and fostering the growth of the game in our country. They will be greatly missed. I remember how Iwuanyanwu Nationale reached the final of the African Champion Clubs’ Cup in 1988, and that FC IfeanyiUbah competed in the CAF Confederation Cup in 2017.
“Many fond memories remain of these two football financiers. The NFF and the entire Nigeria football community pray that the Almighty grants them eternal rest and bestows their loved ones with the strength to bear this tremendous loss.”
Iwuanyanwu Nationale reached the final of the former African Champion Clubs’ Cup competition in 1988, losing 1-4 on aggregate to Entente Setif of Algeria. FC IfeanyiUbah fell to Al Masry of Egypt after a penalty shootout in the CAF Confederation Cup seven years ago.
