BY SAB OSUJI

Garlands poured in in torrents for Prof Polly Emenike, Chief Executive Officer of Neros Pharmaceuticals Limited, sole sponsor and financier of Nanka Champions League which reached its 40th milestone edition on Monday, 1 January 2024 at the Neros Stadium, Nanka, Exclusivenews.com.ng reports.

The Odenigbo Nanka received what he really deserved, sponsoring a competition with a huge prize money of N3.1m for 40 years and still counting, is no child's play.

Rangers International FC set the 'awards session' open, followed by the Nanka All Stars, then Anambra SWAN led by its chairman, Patrick Chimezie Anaso, Nanka Football Association, NAFA, amongst others. Indeed, it was a crowning moment 'for a prophet duly recognized by his own people' and the Odenigbo Nanka gleefully appreciated it all.

The moment his cap was decorated with glowing feather during the half time of the pulsating final of the 2023 edition of the annual Nanka Champions League captured the thrilling moment the quiet town poured into the sports facility in large numbers to pay honour to whom it is really due and as well feast their eyes and passion on the final of the championship which fittingly ushers in the (2024) New Year with joy, happiness and excitement.

Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, who added glamour to the final with his physical presence was flanked by 'General' Chikeluo Iloenyosi and Barrister Amobi Ezeaku, General Manager/CEO of Rangers as Prof Emenike received the plethora of awards, one after another.

The two finalists, Nkpor Branch and Umuahia Branch did perfect advertisement to association football with their enthralling performances.

Nkpor Branch were quicker off the block and enjoyed dominant possession althrough the first period. They made the most of their dominant play with an 18th minute goal and held tenaciously going into the half time break though they should have scored more.

Umuahia Branch came back into the second period with renewed vigour and intent to cancel out the odd deficit and thought they had just done that when they got the ball inside the net but the assistant referee on the near side held the flag up for an infringement, thus, chalking out the goal.