Anambra Starts Federation Cup

The Anambra Football Association’s (AFA) 2013 Federation Cup, sponsored by Neros Pharmaceuticals Ltd., kicked-off  last  Friday at the Neros Stadium, Nanka.

The competition was flagged-off by the Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Dr Edozie Aroh, who used the opportunity to renew calls on the private sector to invest in sports.

The Vice-Chairman of AFA, Benjamin Obikwelu said that the competition would be more competitive than previous editions, because of the participation of some of the best clubs in the state. He added that competition would likely churn out a new bunch of budding talents for the country’s football leagues.

“We have been one of the leading football-playing states in the country as attested to by the number of players we currently have in the national team.

“Anambra alone has five key players in the national team (the Super Eagles), and we expect to provide more from this competition.

“It sure will be the best of football on display because we want to re-enact the era when Anambra had three professional football clubs,’’ he said.

Meanwhile, Chief Polycarp Emenike, the Managing Director of Neros pharmaceuticals, sponsors of the competition, told newsmen that his organisation would continue to contribute positively to human development by creating the enabling environment.

Emenike, who spoke through the Director of the Neros Stadium Management Committee, Chief Damian Ogene, said that lots of idle youths have been pulled off the streets with the facility.

“Nanka has enjoyed from this facility; our youths are busy during Christmas period, no crime, no lazing about, and they are always here to engage themselves in sports.

“This stadium is just about one year old since it was commissioned; it is our projection that in the end, this stadium will equal Ajax stadium in Holland. “Neros has been sponsoring this competition for seven years now, the best way to contribute security is through efforts like this because it is better, if not cheaper, than investing in Hilux Jeeps for security when the youths are restive,’’ he added.

In the meantime, Redoubtable FC of Onitsha defeated All Sports Foundation Academy FC (ASFAN) Nimo 3-0, in the opening match of the competition. Matches would also be played in five different centres across the state during the competition.