Football Stakeholders in Anambra have hailed the visionary leadership of the Chairman of the State Football Association (FA) and Ex-International, Chikelue Iloenyosi, which has brought unprecedented transformation to the body.
The Stakeholders in separate interviews on Sunday, stated that in his three years in office as chairman, “The General”, as Iloenyosi is fondly called in the nation’s sporting and social circles, had brought unbridled stability and focus to the association.
Senator Obinna Ogba, Former Senate Committee Chairman on Sports, said Iloenyosi combined vision, charisma and grassroots understanding, oriented-ness to achieve results.
Ogba said that Iloenyosi has the national appeal which he has brought to bear on Anambra state football.
Ogba, a former Vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Chairman of the Ebonyi Football Association and Abakaliki Football Club, said that Iloenyosi’s wide reach in the national football circles, has enhanced his managerial acumen which he has brought to bear on Anambra football.
Ralph Nweke, the Secretary of the Anambra FA, said that Iloenyosi has successfully undertaken the herculean task of restoring peace and unity among football stakeholders the state.
“Before Iloenyosi’s emergence, Anambra football was rocked by internal divisions, leadership disputes, and dysfunctional associations.
“His first significant achievement was restoring harmony across all affiliate bodies – Coaches’ Association, Club Owners and Referees Council, among others.
“Today, these entities operate cohesively under a unified vision for football development.”
Nweke said that the Anambra FA, under Iloenyosi’s leadership, has struck a seamless synergy with the state government which has brought unprecedented glamour to football in the state.
“For the first time in the history of football in the state, Anambra State government officially incorporated FA activities into its budget, following the strong collaboration between Iloenyosi and the Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo,” he said.
“This partnership has provided financial stability and administrative legitimacy to FA programmes throughout the state.”
Michael Mbaezue, a Nigeria.Professional Football League Match Commissioner, said the Iloenyosi-led FA has initiated.and supported over 100 competitions to boost grassroots football development in the state.
“The list is endless: from the Anambra All-Stars Tournament to the Chairman’s Cup, the NEROS Anambra FA Cup to U-13, U-15, and U-17 tournaments.
“The Iloenyosi-led FA has positioned Anambra as a hub of football activities.
“Notable.among these, is the March 2025 National Under-17 Scouting Programme, hosted in Awka with national cadet team Coach,. Manu Garba,.identifying talents now on the national radar.
“The FA also launched the Anambra Grassroots Football Development Plan where Iloenyosi unveiled his noble grassroots blueprint.
The plan provided more than 1,000 children, football kits at the launch highlighting his belief that genuine development begins at the grassroots level.
Numerous stakeholders interviewed also highlighted Iloenyosi’s imprints on the welfare of Ex-Internationals and fallen heroes, development of coaches through trainings, supporting the state and neighbouring states’ clubs and attracting high-profile matches to Awka, among others.
