By Chinedum Ohanusi

Former winners, Igbo-ukwu Development Union (IDU) Onitsha Branch are again champions of the Igbo-ukwu Premier League and winners of the 5th Eze-Ezinwanne Ohamadike Cup. 

Having ousted the more illustrious IDU Lagos Branch in the semifinals, IDU Onitsha Branch completed their beautiful run in the 2025 competition by defeating Pelwin Global Football Club with a lone goal to win the coveted trophies.

The closely-fought final was played at the Holy Trinity Church Igbo-ukwu Football Ground, on New Year day (2026); and it preceded the third-place encounter between the 2024 winners, Lagos Branch, and Nwaezefunamba Football Club of Igbo-ukwu.

Lagos Branch, won it by thrashing Nwaezefunamba FC, an Igbo-ukwu Community based team 3-0 to salvage some pride, 24 hours after they were dethroned as undisputed champions. 

The final and bronze medal match, attracted the Cup Donors of the twin championships, Nze Chucks Okoye (Eze-Ezinwanne), Ezeakajiugo Sir MCK Ubah, (President General of IDU), Arch Christian Ike (Immediate Past President General of IDU), Engr. Ikenna Okonkwo (Sponsor of the ACOMEF Competitions), Barr JBC Obikwelu, an indigene and a committee member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) among others. 

Individual Awards for the Players as well of recognition of past Cup donors and some Sports supporters of the game in the community were honored during the event that attracted many sports enthusiasts both at home and in the diaspora.  

The same event was used to mark the 5th edition of the Eze-ezinwanne Ohamdike Cup which will open a new cycle for a new Cup come December 2026. 

The Igbo-ukwu Premier League which started in 1959, and successfully had its 62nd edition, has continued to be one of the greatest platforms, used to galvanize and unite the young, and energetic youths of Igbo-ukwu community, at home and abroad; whilst also taking them out of social vices and restiveness, associated with young adults. 

According to Edochie Nkannebe, the Secretary General of the Igbo-ukwo Football Association; action on the pitch, will return on January 3rd, with all four semifinalists, of the Premier League, returning to compete in the Super 4, powered by Nze Ezeugo Okenwa Okanmuta Greg. Ezeilo.