IGBO ASSOCIATIONS FOOTBALL FIESTA : Eze Chika Nwokedi kick Starts Competition, Donates Cow, N1m Trophy Prize, As Igbo Buru Otu Club Draws 1-1 With Eastern Brothers

In his avowed determination  to encourage Igbo traders and business men towards adopting to healthy living life styles ,as well as appreciating fitness through sporting activities, such as  Footballing , Eze Dr. Amb.Chika Nwokedi , has initiated an Inter – Club  Football competition amongst Igbo Associations in Lagos State.

Fulfilling one of his visions aimed at uplifting,  uniting Ndigbo in Lagos through advocacy , Sports development and empowerment, the renowned Philanthropist , who is the Eze Ndigbo in Ijegun/ Ijadado area ,  as well as the Chairman , Council of Ndieze in Lagos , last Saturday, July 25, 2026,  kick Started the Sponsorship of the football fiesta with the donation of a trophy and One million Naira prize tag.

He further announced a N5 million trophy prize tag for an  Inter – Ethnic  Nationalities Football Competition involving the Yorubas , Igbos ,Hausas and other Ethnic Groups , which will commence in 2027

Nwokedi , who is fondly called Eze Okpoko, said in an interview, that the football competition besides fitness and healthy living , would Create bundles of Joy , happiness and  initiate brotherly cohesion and solid amity amongst Igbo Associations in Lagos State.

In a Pre – Competition Novelty football match held at Kasali Kundus private Sports Centre , Abaranje /Okerube   area, the hard fighting  Igbo Buru Otu Club who scored first at the 65th minutes through a spot kick by Jersey Number 10 Striker , led one goal at the second half against their opponent , Eastern Brothers Fitness and Recreational Association Of Nigeria  ,who later equalized, making the match  a 1-1 draw,through an own goal created as a result of a defensive error by Igbo Buru Otu’s Jersey Number 7 Defender.

The Competition, which was  sponsored by Eze Nwokedi with over N3 million, a Cow, assorted drinks ,different  food menu and music supplied by a disc jockey , was said to have been designated as a Test running football encounter  contest between the Igbo Buru Otu Association , which Eze Nwokedi Founded and Eastern Brothers Recreational Association .

Igbo Buru Otu Association , led by their Founder and accompanied by a detachment of armed Police men and Soldiers , had moved from their Corporate head office at  56, kudeyibu Street, Opposite Q Dot hotel , Kudeyibu Estate gate , Ijegun, in a long convoy to Kasali Kundus Stadium , Abaranje ,Okerube .

Shortly after his Association scored the first goal , Eze Nwokedi , had out of joy shared N500 and 1000 notes to about 120 Spectators that came to watch the football encounter.

At the end of the Match , Eze Nwokedi, who was accompanied to the Stadium by his adorable lovely wife Ugoeze, Lolo , Pastor Tessy  Nwokedi , his Palace Onowu, Chief Emeka and other Association Members ,feted his guests at Igbo Buru Otu’s Event Center and distributed some gift items to Eastern Brothers members ,as well as  other guests . 

He also  appreciated the leadership of the Eastern Brothers  Recreational Association,such as President , Oliver Good luck  Ikwueze, Emeritus Chairman, Obinna Onyiluka, Assistant Secretary , Mr. Maduekwe Samuel Onyedika, Mr. Emeka  Onwukaobi and others ,for their cooperation and partnership .

The Philanthropist , who advised Igbo residents in Lagos to live peacefully and  harmoniously with their host Community , urged then to  be law abiding.

He  therefore announced his August  Birthday in 2026, as the take off date for the main competition and appointed   Cardinal, Hon. Obinna Onyiluka, who is the Emeritus Chairman of Eastern Brothers Fitness and Recreational Club of Nigeria, as the Chairman of the Organizing Committee .

Speaking , the Two club sides  coaches and their Captains ,Ikechukwu Okeke and Burugana Chukwu .C. Miracle, praised Eze Okpoko’s initiatives , thanking him for always having the goodness of Ndigbo in his heart.

According to the President of Eastern Brothers Fitness and Recreational Club of Nigeria, Mr. Oliver Good luck Ikwueze, “Eze Nwokedi is a kind hearted Man that loves Igbos and the progress of his people” .

Speaking after the match, High Chief Irukanachukwu C. Miracle, a member of Ndigbo Buru Otu Association of Nigeria, expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance, describing the result as an achievement considering it was their first outing in such a competition.

“We are very happy with the outcome. If we had been given extra time, I believe we would have beaten them. This is our first time playing this kind of match. Initially, we thought they would defeat us, but in the end, we came back and equalized,” he said.

According to him, the football competition was more than just a sporting contest, stressing that it was designed to promote unity among Igbo people.

“This match is bringing unity among the Igbos. The reason this football competition was organized is for all Igbos to come together and remain united,” Miracle added.

Also speaking, Oliver Ikubueze described the event as one of the most memorable days of his life.

“Today is one of the remarkable days in my life. We are happy with the 1-1 result. I pray that God will continue to give Eze Nwokedi wisdom to lead his people. He spent a lot of money to make this event successful and entertained everyone. He even slaughtered a whole cow for the celebration. He is a very nice man,” he said.

Earlier, In the line up to the match , Ndigbo Buru Otu wore light green jerseys, Eastern Brothers took to the pitch in light blue, with both sides displaying determination, discipline and sportsmanship throughout the entertaining contest.

The opening half produced several exciting moments, but neither side was able to find the breakthrough as both goalkeepers and defenders stood firm, sending the teams into the halftime break locked at 0-0.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 65th minute when Ndigbo Buru Otu’s jersey number 10 calmly slotted home to give his side a deserved 1-0 lead, sparking jubilant celebrations among supporters.

However, with just ten minutes remaining, the game took a dramatic twist. Jersey number 7 accidentally diverted the ball into his own net while attempting to clear the danger, gifting Eastern Brothers a fortunate equaliser and ensuring the entertaining encounter finished 1-1.

At the post match interview , Eze Nwokedi , formally unveiled and announced plans for a bigger sporting event,  revealing  that preparations have been concluded for the Eze Okpoko Cup, which will take place in August 2026, with a ₦1 million cash prize awaiting the eventual champions.

According to him, the tournament is expected to become one of the biggest community football competitions in Lagos, with 2027 edition of 5 million prize tag  expanding beyond the Igbo community.

“We want everybody to come together and be happy. That is why we organised this football match. The world is about love, and football remains one of the strongest tools for bringing people together,” Nwokedi said.

“I will increase the prize money to ₦5 million next year while opening participation to all major ethnic groups across Nigeria”.

“Next year’s edition will not be for Igbos alone. We want Yoruba, Hausa and every other tribe to participate because football should unite Nigerians regardless of tribe or religion,” he stated.

Reflecting on the day’s encounter, Nwokedi said his team exceeded expectations despite not having played competitive football for a long time.

“Our opponents said they would beat us by four goals, but that did not happen. Without the unfortunate own goal, we would have won the match. Nevertheless, what matters most is that friendship has prevailed.”

Further reiterating his earlier appeal, Eze Nwokedi  passionately  appealled  to Igbos living in Lagos, urging them to continue respecting the customs, laws and traditions of their host state.

“Lagos has accommodated us and given us opportunities to live, work and prosper. We must appreciate that privilege by respecting the laws of the land and maintaining peaceful relationships with our landlords, the Lagosians. When there is mutual respect and understanding, everyone benefits,” he said.

He stressed that lasting peace, national integration and economic progress can only thrive where people choose love over division and cooperation over conflict.

As excitement builds ahead of the inaugural Eze Okpoko Cup next month, many participants believe the successful friendly match has laid a solid foundation for what could become one of Lagos’ foremost grassroots football competitions, promoting not only sporting excellence but also peace, brotherhood and national unity.

The event attracted members of the Igbo Speaking Community , such as the Youth Leader, Chief Okechukwu Uzuegbunam and other  supporters, who gathered to witness what  Eze Okpoko had described as a football event aimed at strengthening unity among Ndigbo.In his avowed determination  to encourage Igbo traders and business men towards adopting to healthy living life styles ,as well as appreciating fitness through sporting activities, such as  Footballing , Eze Dr. Amb.Chika Nwokedi , has initiated an Inter – Club  Football competition amongst Igbo Associations in Lagos State.

Fulfilling one of his visions aimed at uplifting,  uniting Ndigbo in Lagos through advocacy , Sports development and empowerment, the renowned Philanthropist , who is the Eze Ndigbo in Ijegun/ Ijadado area ,  as well as the Chairman , Council of Ndieze in Lagos , last Saturday, July 25, 2026,  kick Started the Sponsorship of the football fiesta with the donation of a trophy and One million Naira prize tag.

He further announced a N5 million trophy prize tag for an  Inter – Ethnic  Nationalities Football Competition involving the Yorubas , Igbos ,Hausas and other Ethnic Groups , which will commence in 2027

Nwokedi , who is fondly called Eze Okpoko, said in an interview, that the football competition besides fitness and healthy living , would Create bundles of Joy , happiness and  initiate brotherly cohesion and solid amity amongst Igbo Associations in Lagos State.

In a Pre – Competition Novelty football match held at Kasali Kundus private Sports Centre , Abaranje /Okerube   area, the hard fighting  Igbo Buru Otu Club who scored first at the 65th minutes through a spot kick by Jersey Number 10 Striker , led one goal at the second half against their opponent , Eastern Brothers Fitness and Recreational Association Of Nigeria  ,who later equalized, making the match  a 1-1 draw,through an own goal created as a result of a defensive error by Igbo Buru Otu’s Jersey Number 7 Defender.

The Competition, which was  sponsored by Eze Nwokedi with over N3 million, a Cow, assorted drinks ,different  food menu and music supplied by a disc jockey , was said to have been designated as a Test running football encounter  contest between the Igbo Buru Otu Association , which Eze Nwokedi Founded and Eastern Brothers Recreational Association .

Igbo Buru Otu Association , led by their Founder and accompanied by a detachment of armed Police men and Soldiers , had moved from their Corporate head office at  56, kudeyibu Street, Opposite Q Dot hotel , Kudeyibu Estate gate , Ijegun, in a long convoy to Kasali Kundus Stadium , Abaranje ,Okerube .

Shortly after his Association scored the first goal , Eze Nwokedi , had out of joy shared N500 and 1000 notes to about 120 Spectators that came to watch the football encounter.

At the end of the Match , Eze Nwokedi, who was accompanied to the Stadium by his adorable lovely wife Ugoeze, Lolo , Pastor Tessy  Nwokedi , his Palace Onowu, Chief Emeka and other Association Members ,feted his guests at Igbo Buru Otu’s Event Center and distributed some gift items to Eastern Brothers members ,as well as  other guests . 

He also  appreciated the leadership of the Eastern Brothers  Recreational Association,such as President , Oliver Good luck  Ikwueze, Emeritus Chairman, Obinna Onyiluka, Assistant Secretary , Mr. Maduekwe Samuel Onyedika, Mr. Emeka  Onwukaobi and others ,for their cooperation and partnership .

The Philanthropist , who advised Igbo residents in Lagos to live peacefully and  harmoniously with their host Community , urged then to  be law abiding.

He  therefore announced his August  Birthday in 2026, as the take off date for the main competition and appointed   Cardinal, Hon. Obinna Onyiluka, who is the Emeritus Chairman of Eastern Brothers Fitness and Recreational Club of Nigeria, as the Chairman of the Organizing Committee .

Speaking , the Two club sides  coaches and their Captains ,Ikechukwu Okeke and Burugana Chukwu .C. Miracle, praised Eze Okpoko’s initiatives , thanking him for always having the goodness of Ndigbo in his heart.

According to the President of Eastern Brothers Fitness and Recreational Club of Nigeria, Mr. Oliver Good luck Ikwueze, “Eze Nwokedi is a kind hearted Man that loves Igbos and the progress of his people” .

Speaking after the match, High Chief Irukanachukwu C. Miracle, a member of Ndigbo Buru Otu Association of Nigeria, expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance, describing the result as an achievement considering it was their first outing in such a competition.

“We are very happy with the outcome. If we had been given extra time, I believe we would have beaten them. This is our first time playing this kind of match. Initially, we thought they would defeat us, but in the end, we came back and equalized,” he said.

According to him, the football competition was more than just a sporting contest, stressing that it was designed to promote unity among Igbo people.

“This match is bringing unity among the Igbos. The reason this football competition was organized is for all Igbos to come together and remain united,” Miracle added.

Also speaking, Oliver Ikubueze described the event as one of the most memorable days of his life.

“Today is one of the remarkable days in my life. We are happy with the 1-1 result. I pray that God will continue to give Eze Nwokedi wisdom to lead his people. He spent a lot of money to make this event successful and entertained everyone. He even slaughtered a whole cow for the celebration. He is a very nice man,” he said.

Earlier, In the line up to the match , Ndigbo Buru Otu wore light green jerseys, Eastern Brothers took to the pitch in light blue, with both sides displaying determination, discipline and sportsmanship throughout the entertaining contest.

The opening half produced several exciting moments, but neither side was able to find the breakthrough as both goalkeepers and defenders stood firm, sending the teams into the halftime break locked at 0-0.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 65th minute when Ndigbo Buru Otu’s jersey number 10 calmly slotted home to give his side a deserved 1-0 lead, sparking jubilant celebrations among supporters.

However, with just ten minutes remaining, the game took a dramatic twist. Jersey number 7 accidentally diverted the ball into his own net while attempting to clear the danger, gifting Eastern Brothers a fortunate equaliser and ensuring the entertaining encounter finished 1-1.

At the post match interview , Eze Nwokedi , formally unveiled and announced plans for a bigger sporting event,  revealing  that preparations have been concluded for the Eze Okpoko Cup, which will take place in August 2026, with a ₦1 million cash prize awaiting the eventual champions.

According to him, the tournament is expected to become one of the biggest community football competitions in Lagos, with 2027 edition of 5 million prize tag  expanding beyond the Igbo community.

“We want everybody to come together and be happy. That is why we organised this football match. The world is about love, and football remains one of the strongest tools for bringing people together,” Nwokedi said.

“I will increase the prize money to ₦5 million next year while opening participation to all major ethnic groups across Nigeria”.

“Next year’s edition will not be for Igbos alone. We want Yoruba, Hausa and every other tribe to participate because football should unite Nigerians regardless of tribe or religion,” he stated.

Reflecting on the day’s encounter, Nwokedi said his team exceeded expectations despite not having played competitive football for a long time.

“Our opponents said they would beat us by four goals, but that did not happen. Without the unfortunate own goal, we would have won the match. Nevertheless, what matters most is that friendship has prevailed.”

Further reiterating his earlier appeal, Eze Nwokedi  passionately  appealled  to Igbos living in Lagos, urging them to continue respecting the customs, laws and traditions of their host state.

“Lagos has accommodated us and given us opportunities to live, work and prosper. We must appreciate that privilege by respecting the laws of the land and maintaining peaceful relationships with our landlords, the Lagosians. When there is mutual respect and understanding, everyone benefits,” he said.

He stressed that lasting peace, national integration and economic progress can only thrive where people choose love over division and cooperation over conflict.

As excitement builds ahead of the inaugural Eze Okpoko Cup next month, many participants believe the successful friendly match has laid a solid foundation for what could become one of Lagos’ foremost grassroots football competitions, promoting not only sporting excellence but also peace, brotherhood and national unity.

The event attracted members of the Igbo Speaking Community , such as the Youth Leader, Chief Okechukwu Uzuegbunam and other  supporters, who gathered to witness what  Eze Okpoko had described as a football event aimed at strengthening unity among Ndigbo.