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By Bolaji Okunola
Ubah’s passion and commitment to football will continue to fascinate several generations, he came, he saw and he conquered
Ubah took painstaking years to finally arrive at the top of Nigeria’s sporting rack following his June 12, 2015, acquisition of Gabros FC, which he renamed after himself, FC Ifeanyi Ubah. This enviable achievement saw him receive applauds from stakeholders in Nigerian sports as soccer enthusiasts chanted his name for greatness. Back then, many believed he could sign the best legs in world football, given his pedigree as a politician and oil mogul.
The Genesis
Going by his club logo designed in 2008, which portrayed unity among the three major ethnic groups in Nigeria, one can easily say the deceased ventured into football business with the sole aim of uniting the nation and empowering people. Having played as an amateur while growing up in the eastern part of the country, he instantly wrote his name in gold by storming the league with an ideology of using what you have to get what you want.
As a billionaire who went into the football market like erstwhile Chelsea owner, Roman Abrahamovic, and a host of others, the politician-turned-soccer lover stamped his ground with the mindset of tempting footballers with his huge bank account. From east to west, north and south, the name Ifeanyi Ubah FC based in Nnewi, Anambra State, emerged a threat as it obtained the nickname ‘Anambra Warriors’.
Ubah’s love for the round leather game saw him ranked alongside the late MKO Abiola who gave so much to his defunct Abiola Babes FC. That the club was destined for the top began when he tabled an eye-popping amount to own an 18,000-seater capacity stadium, which was also named after him. His unbridled love for the game also made him acquire several buses designed for the use of his fans and footballers. In the twinkle of an eye, his club became a household name in the Nigerian professional football league, fighting for points with league contenders, Enyimba of Aba, Rangers of Enugu and 3SC of Ibadan, among others.
Owing to various activities he was involved in, including politics and business, the late federal lawmaker representing Anambra South Senatorial District was supported by his brother, Prince Chukwuma Ubah, in running the affairs of the club, which gained prominence from the 2015/2016 season to the 2020/2021 NPFL season. It became the most prominent privately owned football club in its era.
Visiting the home of soccer, Brazil
Year after, the Nnewi business tycoon showed more zeal for the upliftment of his team. He went the extra mile, jetting to Brazil with the sole aim of signing six Brazilian footballers for Ifeanyi Ubah FC’s debut in the 2015/2016 Nigerian Professional Football League. He further iced the cake with the signing of two Brazilian coaches with high technical ideas. Acknowledging the arrival of his Brazil products, Ubah, in an interview with Channels Sports on January 20, 2016, said: “I’m delighted with the arrival of the Brazilian players and coaches. I affirmed my belief and confidence in the Brazilian players/coaches and their capacity to bring their experience to the team with a view to winning the league title for the first time and within my second attempt.
“The choice of Brazilians will spur and challenge our local talents to bring out the best in them to meet international standards. I reiterate the club’s desire to win the league this coming season and I promise that the club will stop at nothing to achieve its goal.”
Signing player for a record fee
Giving more leverage to his side, Ubah, on January 28, 2017, signed the 2015/2016 NPFL highest goal scorer, Godwin Obaje, of Wikki Tourists, for a record fee that saw the goal poacher become the highest paid player in the domestic soccer circuit. The bulky club owner sealed doubters’ lips by luring the striker to a three-year deal that earned him N2 million per month.
He also signed Super Eagles goalkeeper, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, for an undisclosed fee.
Lifting Nigeria’s oldest football trophy
On November 6, 2016, Ifeanyi Ubah FC lifted the country’s oldest soccer trophy, Federation Cup. He was on standby at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos to cheer his boys to victory against Nassarawa United.
Both teams were playing in the finals of the Federation Cup for the first time. After playing goalless all through 90 minutes, the final had to be decided via penalty kicks, which his side won 5-4. With this, the big spender booked a continental ticket to represent Nigeria in the next CAF Confederations Cup.
Having done that, he was commended by the then Anambra State governor, Willie Obiano.
“Ifeanyi Ubah has done us proud and this trophy is very significant to the state. I am delighted to receive the trophy on behalf of Ndi Anambra State,” Obiano stated during the trophy parade a few days later.
Ubah further gained recognition beyond the shores of the country when his side represented Nigeria at the 2016/2017 CAF Confederation Cup campaign on February 19, 2017.
Ex-Super Eagles captain, Joseph Yobo, will not forget the late business tycoon in a hurry following his unending support, which he showed on and before his centenary game. The game was played in Port Harcourt on May 27, 2016.
Ubah threw his weight behind the project, ensuring his club and newspaper emerged brand ambassadors of the game. Austin Okocha and Samuel Eto’o, among many other superstars, thrilled fans at the event.
Football club owners who died in July
It is strange but true that some club owners in Nigeria died in July. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu and Ifeanyi Ubah both passed away within two days of each other.
Iwuanyanwu, who took over the former Spartans Football Club of Owerri and renamed it Iwuanyanwu Nationale, died at the age of 82 on July 25, 2024.
Ubah died in a London hospital on July 27. He was 52.
MKO Abiola, owner of defunct Abiola Babes, died on July 7, 1998, while Stationary Stores FC owner, Israel Adebajo, died on July 25, 1969.
