CSS Okpuno Clinch Anambra State Sam Okwaraji U-16 Qualifiers Title with 3-1 Victory Over CSS Amawbia

 

CSS Okpuno Clinch Anambra State Sam Okwaraji U-16 Qualifiers Title with 3-1 Victory Over CSS Amawbia

By Ndema Obinna Phamouzdj 

Community Secondary School (CSS) Okpuno were crowned champions of the 2026 Anambra State Qualifiers of the Sam Okwaraji Under-16 Schools Football Championship after defeating Community Secondary School (CSS) Amawbia 3-1 in an entertaining final played at the St. John's Catholic Church Field, Okpuno, on Friday, July 3, 2026.

Backed by a vocal home crowd, CSS Okpuno produced another commanding performance to complete an unbeaten run through the tournament and secure the state's coveted schools football title. The champions displayed tactical discipline, attacking flair and defensive solidity, qualities that saw them emerge as the competition's standout team.

The road to the final was filled with exciting contests. The opening round saw CSS Urum defeat Abbot Boys Secondary School 3-1, while Willie Obiano Community Secondary School comfortably overcame CKC Umueri 2-0. CSS Achalla edged St. Kizito 1-0, and St. Jude Secondary School booked their place in the next round with a 2-1 victory over CSS Igboukwu.

The quarter-finals produced more impressive performances. CSS Okpuno underlined their title credentials with a resounding 4-0 demolition of St. Jude Secondary School. Urban Boys fought back to defeat CSS Achalla 2-1, while CSS Amawbia eased past Willie Obiano Community Secondary School with a convincing 3-0 win. Igwebuike Grammar School also progressed after defeating CSS Urum 2-1.

In the semi-finals, CSS Okpuno maintained their impressive form, defeating Urban Boys 2-0 to book a place in the championship match. CSS Amawbia secured the second final ticket after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Igwebuike Grammar School.

The much-anticipated final lived up to expectations as both schools displayed determination and quality. However, CSS Okpuno proved too strong on the day, converting their chances and controlling key moments of the game to record a deserved 3-1 victory over CSS Amawbia and lift the trophy.

CSS Amawbia team line up 

Tournament Results

First Round

CSS Urum 3 - 1 Abbot Boys Secondary School Ihiala 

Willie Obiano Community Secondary School  Aguleri 2 - 0  CKC Umueri

CSS Achalla 1 - 0 St. Kizito Secondary School Umudioka

St. Jude Secondary School Ihiala  2 - 1  CSS Igboukwu

Quarter-finals

CSS Okpuno 4 - 0  St. Jude Secondary School Ihiala 

Urban Boys  Onitsha  2 - 1  CSS Achalla

CSS Amawbia  3 - 0  Willie Obiano Community Secondary School

Igwebuike Grammar School Awka  2 - 1  CSS Urum

Semi-finals

CSS Okpuno  2 - 0 Urban Boys Onitsha 

CSS Amawbia  1 - 0  Igwebuike Grammar School

Final

CSS Okpuno  3 - 1  CSS Amawbia

The successful staging of the Anambra State Qualifiers once again showcased the wealth of football talent within secondary schools across the state. The Sam Okwaraji Under-16 Schools Football Championship remains one of Nigeria's foremost grassroots football competitions, providing young players with the opportunity to develop their skills, gain competitive experience and attract the attention of coaches and scouts . It is also a way to pay tribute to a Man that Died playing for his beloved Country, A man that sacrificed a lot to Represent his Country.

Sam Okwaraji lives On.

With the state title secured, CSS Okpuno will now carry Anambra's hopes into the next phase of the Sam Okwaraji Under-16 Schools Football Championship, where they will aim to continue their remarkable run and further establish themselves among the country's brightest young football teams.

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Anambra State Weightlifting Association hold Quarterly Meeting, Set to Host Weightlifting Tournament in the State

 

Earlier today Friday 3rd July 2026, at The Godwin Achebe Stadium Fegge, Onitsha as at 10:00 AM The Chairman and Board members of The Anambra Weightlifting Association gathered to discuss the way forward for Weightlifting in Anambra State 

The Chairman Chief Ewenike Chijioke thanked every stake holder for their Commitment So far and Urged everyone to key in With Vision of The Commissioner of Youth Development and Sports Mr Patrick Agha Mba and The Solution Bigger Agenda for Sports.

In order to achieve that all hands must be on Deck 

Notwithstanding that the Association is lacking in so many ways like Poor or No Funding, Poor or No Reward System which has prompted mass Exodus of Anambra Athletes to other neighbouring States like Delta State, Benue State, Enugu State etc, Poor Athletes Welfare and the need to Upgrade training facilities 

The Chairman promised to do his best in providing the adequate assistance the Association needs, First of all The Association will host a Tournament for Weightlifters in Anambra State and then Conduct an Open Screening to admit more Athletes.

The Association will also target medals in Upcoming events like the Intermediary Games in Lagos and the National Sports Festival in Enugu. The Medals will boost the morale of Athletes to be more committed and passionate about the Game.

The Association also plead on well to do Anambrarians to Support and Invest in Sports most especially Weightlifting.

The Association also promised to find a way to Stop entirely the Mass Exodus of Anambra Athletes to other States with the Support of Commission that can be achieved.

The Association also call on talented Anambra Athletes to join the Weightlifting team of the State to achieve the vision of our Sports loving Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo.

Some notable members in the meeting are Anambra State Weightlifting Coach Kama Michael, Emeka Nrialike, Ugwuh Angel Sharon and others.

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Ndema Family Raises Alarm over Land Grabbing,Threats and Intimidation by Native Doctor Charles Uchenna Nduka (Ezeudo)

 

Ndema Family of Onuburu,Ezioha, Nnenato, Ihioma,Orlu LGA of Imo State is Saddened by the Intimidation,Threat and Intimidation towards the entire family and Ndema Obinna, Only Son of Late Ikechemere Ndema by Native Doctor Charles Uchenna Nduka (Ezeudo)

On 26th March 2026, Native Doctor Charles Uchenna Nduka came with labourers and Started digging on IHUALA OGWUGWU AMAKPU the portion allocated to Late Ikechemere Ndema after the family shared the said land in October 2025.

Obinna Ndema the only surviving Son of Ikechemere Ndema raised alarm and sent a voice message to the Onuburu Whatsapp Group and every other members of the family, Telling the native doctor to please stay clear of his property, Meanwhile the Native Doctor is claiming he bought the land from Ndema Jude (the younger brother to Ikechemere Ndema) who takes care of Ikechemere Ndema properties as the children doesn't reside in Ihioma.

Ndema Obinna refuted the claim by showing evidence that he is the owner of the portion, yet few weeks later Native Doctor Charles Uchenna Nduka came back with Armed men and started building a fence on the land, When approached by Elder Ndema Francis and other members of Ndema family he shouted at them and told them to Go Away that if their is a case, that it is between Ndema Obinna and Ndema Jude, (yet Ndema Obinna was not consulted), The Armed men urged him on, saying that they have turned cement Already, but if later confirmed that Jude is not the Owner of the Land, That the native doctor will forfeit everything he built there.

The native doctor kept threatening that over his Dead body will he leave the property, that anyone that challenges him will be bundled to Owerri, that he has set aside 50 million Naira for the case.

Ndema Obinna came back to the village and met people working on his land, he stopped them but the Native Doctor Charles Uchenna Nduka came and told the workers to continue working that Ndema Obinna should Do his Worse, he said that in front of the Elders of Ndema family.

After that the same Native Doctor Charles Uchenna Nduka served the entire Ndema family a document Warning them to Stop Interfering with his work, that anyone that interfere will face the wrath of the law 

Meanwhile Ndema Family have reported the issue to the Onuburu village meeting 3 times but the case keeps stalling because a lot of people has been compromised, yet they have given him 2 weeks to remove everything he put on the land, yet he continued, Ndema Obinna replied the letter he sent and also gave him 2 weeks to remove everything he put on the land, attached to the letter is a Document stating clearly that the portion of land belongs to Ndema Obinna, The document was signed by All The firstborns of Ndema family Yet he responded by fixing a gate on the fence he built and locked it thereby restricting the owner access to his property..

These actions prompted Ndema family to Set up a Meeting of all the firstborns of the family and Cyprain Ndema (who collaborated with Jude to sell the land) and Jude Ndema. On Sunday 28th June 2026

In the meeting, Jude Ndema and Cyprain Ndema were mandated to return Ndema Obinna's Land with Immediate effect, that they should Inform the rogue Native Doctor Charles Uchenna Nduka that the family has endured his Continued Insults and Intimidation against the family and is ready to take legal actions against his Criminal activity on their property .

Jude Ndema have Confirmed that he has told Native Doctor Charles Uchenna Nduka The Outcome of the Meeting, that he should Stay Clear.

So any Continued Occupation of the Land will be seen as Pure Criminality and will be treated accordingly 

This piece is let the world know that in 2026 a so called Native Doctor believes he can forcefully take over someone's land and shut everyone up with 50 million Naira.

Let's watch and see how it ends 

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Extensive Renovation and Upgrade happening now at the Neros Stadium, Nanka

 

A new chapter is unfolding at Nero’s Sports Stadium, Nanka, as extensive renovation and upgrade works are currently underway.

The iconic stadium, single-handedly built by Chief Polycarp Emenike, M.O.N (Odenigbo Nanka), is undergoing a total overhaul aimed at improving its facilities and enhancing the sporting experience for athletes, supporters, and visitors alike.

Major works currently in progress include the rehabilitation of the playing pitch, installation of seats on the spectators' stand, and several repair and maintenance projects within and around the stadium complex.

This remarkable investment once again reflects Chief Polycarp Emenike's unwavering commitment to sports development, youth empowerment, and community growth in Nanka and beyond.

The transformation is already taking shape, and the completed project promises to further elevate Nero’s Sports Stadium as a pride of Nanka and a center for sporting excellence.

The Stadium hosts the Opening and Closing games of the Anambra State FA Cup and other Anambra State Football Association sanctioned Games.

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Sports Commissioner Mr. Agha Mba Meets Sports Stakeholders, Hails Their Support for Anambra Sports

 

The Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Mr Patrick Agha Mba, on Friday, 5 June 2026, hosted a “Thank You Luncheon” for sports stakeholders, aficionados, and leaders of sports associations in Anambra State.

The meeting, which brought together sports promoters, club owners, sports association chairmen and administrators, was held at the Ministry’s conference hall near Government House, Awka.

During the luncheon, Mba unveiled plans to reposition sports as a major component of Anambra State’s creative economy. He stressed the need to transform sports from a recreational activity into a sustainable culture and viable economic sector.

The Commissioner disclosed that the Ministry has developed a policy framework to establish Youth and Sports Departments in all Local Government Council Areas to strengthen grassroots sports development.

Mr Mba further revealed that plans are underway to encourage every LGA to host its own sports festival as a means of reviving sporting activities and discovering young talents.

He noted that the initiative would help create a vibrant sports ecosystem capable of generating opportunities for youths while contributing to the state’s economic growth.

According to him, the gathering was an opportunity to appreciate stakeholders whose support and faith in Anambra sports had sustained the Ministry’s efforts over the years.

He called for continued collaboration among stakeholders, urging them to support the Ministry, offer constructive criticism, and hold public officials accountable in the collective pursuit of sports excellence.

The Commissioner reaffirmed his commitment to working with all relevant stakeholders to position Anambra State and the South East as a leading hub for sports development, talent discovery, and economic opportunities through sports. He also commended them for their massive contributions to the growth of the sector in the state.

Mba added that the Ministry remains open to new ideas and partnerships that will take sports to greater heights in Anambra.

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Heartland FC Slammed with Sanctions Over Wrongful Dismissal of Its Coach

 

The Players’ Status and Arbitration Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation has ordered Heartland FC to pay the sum of ₦6.4 million to Coach Charles Uzor for unlawfully terminating his contract.

According to the Committee’s findings, Coach Charles Uzor entered into a valid professional coaching contract with Heartland FC on August 1, 2024, to serve as Head Coach for the 2024/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League season. The agreement entitled the coach to a monthly salary of ₦700,000.

However, the contract was terminated by the club on June 11, 2025. While Heartland FC alleged that the termination arose from several breaches of contract, the Committee established that the club ended the agreement unilaterally and without just cause. It further noted that due process, including proper query and suspension procedures, was not followed before the termination.

Coach Uzor subsequently sought ₦8.4 million, representing the unexpired tenure of his contract. After reviewing the submissions of both parties, the Committee ruled that Heartland FC must pay ₦6.4 million as compensation to the coach within 45 days from receipt of the decision.

The Committee also issued a stern warning that failure to comply with the ruling will attract sanctions. Heartland FC will face a ban from transferring players and registering new ones until the full amount ordered is paid.

The decision underscores the NFF’s commitment to upholding contractual integrity and protecting the rights of professionals within the Nigerian football industry.

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