By Ikenna Nwokedi

Team Ikeabbah emerged victorious in the sixth edition of the annual Umunnachi All Stars Novelty football match, defeating Team Richard 4-1 at the Eziagu Primary School field, Umunnachi, on Saturday, January 3, 2026.

The match, sponsored by Hon. Engr. Emeka Okonkwo, Proprietor of Konti Football Club, featured goals from Nkemakonam Emelife, Ifeanyi Enuka, Arinze Nnabuenyi and Engr. Emeka Okonkwo in the 57th, 63rd, 74th, and 81st minutes, respectively. Team Richard's consolation goal was scored by Chinedu Okafor in the 52nd minute.

The event, initiated by Engr. Okonkwo, aims to honour ex-professional footballers and sports personalities in Umunnachi town. In an interview, Engr. Okonkwo stated that the match provides an opportunity for old Umunnachi ex-professionals to reunite, showcase their skills, and reflect on their past experiences.

"This annual event affords us the opportunity to celebrate ex-professional footballers of the great Umunnachi community who excelled in the game and made our community proud.

"Every year on January 3rd, we select two of such personalities and honour them through this unique all stars match. We will ensure its projection now and in subsequent editions," Engr. Okonkwo said. The 2026 edition was coordinated by Hon. Emeka Odionu and Mr. Tochukwu Onwubbah.

On his part, Hon. Odionu affirmed that the colourful event is an annual programme of celebrating former professional footballers of the community in a unique way. He commended Engr. Okonkwo for the noble gesture of bankrolling the All Stars novelty match annually.

Awards were presented to Ifeanyi Ikeabbah and Richard Okafor, with Ikeabbah receiving the Champion of Sports award and Okafor receiving the Pioneer award for his contributions to sports development in Umunnachi.

The event was attended by sports enthusiasts, dignitaries, and ex-professional footballers, who witnessed the thrilling match and celebrated the achievements of the awardees.