Mr. Polly Emenike, the sole sponsor of the Nanka Champions League for over 40 years, has received recognition from the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) and the Management of Rangers International Football Club (FC) of Enugu.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported £th££at both entities showered praise on Emenike for this incredible accomplishment.
This league caters to Nanka indigenes residing across Nigeria. Mkpor branch emerged victorious in the 40th edition of the championship on Jan. 2, securing a 1-0 victory against Umuahia branch in the final match held at the NEROS stadium in Nanka, Orumba North Local Government Area (LGA) of Anambra State.
The match’s outcome, observed by Ibrahim Gusau, the president of the Nigeria Football Federation, marked Nkwor team’s sixth title win in the competition.
Reacting to the achievement, Chimezie Anaso, the Chairman of SWAN in Anambra, hailed Emenike as a significant asset to Anambra, especially in football. He led the association members in presenting a set of jerseys to Emenike. Anaso noted Emenike’s longstanding support for the Nanka Champions League and his sponsorship of the Anambra FA Cup for nearly two decades.
Anaso also stressed Emenike’s remarkable transformation of the Nanka Erosion (NEROS) into a standard football stadium, reflecting his deep commitment to sports and football.
On his part, Amobi Ezeaku, the General Manager of Rangers International Football Club of Enugu, praised the positive impact of the annual Nanka Champions League on football development in Anambra, the South East, and Nigeria at large.
Ezeaku, presenting the Rangers FC badge to Emenike, acknowledged the incredible feat of sponsoring a tournament for 40 uninterrupted years. He highlighted how the Nanka Champions League has provided a platform for young talents to showcase their skills and pursue careers in football.
The Rangers general manager announced that the best-rated four players from the competition would receive automatic slots for his club’s next open player screening session, preceding the 2024/2025 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season.
Other groups, including Nanka All Stars and the 11 teams participating in the League, also made presentations to the esteemed pharmaceutical manufacturing giant. (NAN)