It turned out a gathering of the cream de la cream in the state as topmost football enthusiasts gathered at the famed FCIU International stadium Ozubulu Nnewi to pay last respect to late Senator (Dr) Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah with a Novelty Football match. 

The Novelty match was the initiative of the current Chairman of Anambra State Football Association, ANSFA, 'Gen' Chikelue Iloenyosi and was aimed at paying homage and reverence to the immediate past Chairman of the Association who died late July of this year. 

The incumbent ANSFA boss, in an emotion laden speech described the late Senator as 'one who elevated football in the state and beyond'. 

"Dr Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah was a man driven by passion. It is a very sad situation that we all gathered here to pay our final respect to someone that helped put our state on the pedestal of states known for football excellence. 

"While he was the FA Chairman, his "One-Family-One-Football" scheme was so effective that it got FIFA's endorsement at the 2018 World Cup. 

"He brought the elite league back to our state, mongst other philanthropic and business ventures he carried out in football.

"Today, he is no more. We only but owe him our prayers. If you look at the caliber of personalities on ground, you will understand the impact of the man in our game, politics and other spheres of life. As a football house, we will do a lot to immortalize his name, so that future generations will understand the impact of the late Senator in our game". 

The Novelty game ended in favor of Nnewi X1 as against Anambra FA X1.

Among top dignitaries that graced the event include Nnewi-born, Nigerian Pillar of Sports, High Chief Donatus Agu-Ejidike, formost business mogul Hon. Kenneth Maduakor (Ken Azia), former Super Eagles player Uche Nwofor, Chairman of Anambra State Coaches Association Obi Muoneke, Chief of Staff to ANSFA Chairman Ifeanyichukwu Ojukwu, Rev Fr Valentine Ifiorah, Rev Fr Benneth Okoye, Rev Fr JohnMark Maduka amongst other ex-internationals as well as LFC chairmen.

Late Senator (Dr) Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah will be laid to rest at his country-home in Nnewi on Friday 22 November, 2024.