Chief Festus Udungwu, Chief Executive Officer of Manfes Pharmaceuticals Ltd, has revealed that his passion for football as a sport that fosters unity and  joy is reason he's bankrolling the 3rd edition of the annual FesrDrine/ANSFA All Stars Football Competition, Exclusivenews.com.ng reports.

Udungwu spoke at the opening ceremony of the 2025 FestDrine/ANSFA All Stars Football Competition at the Awka City Stadium.

He disclosed that his company's sponsorship of the competition will not be a 'one off' deal as he will continue to bankroll the tournament for a very long time.

"I love football. Its my passion. I'm a football lover. In life, footballers don't have enemies. It's only  football that brings us together irrespective of age, tribe, or religion. That's the reason I decided to carry the cross. I know what it took me to host this third edition of the All Stars Football Competition. Its a joy, for me, to sponsor this competition", the Manfes boss said.

"Forget about the money. My joy and passion for the game comes first. That's what I want. I'm the one who made the money.

"Sponsoring this completion beyond this year is 100% possible. Manfes/ANSFA All Stars Football Competition isn't going to be a one-off thing, no.

"We're still going to sponsor it next year and beyond. Nobody can challenge me for the sponsorship right next year", Chief Udungwu said confidently.

unite Ndi Anambra through football especially ex-internationals and other individuals who played the round leather game during their prime moments.

Chief Udungwu who said his company's partnership with the ANSFA in sponsoring the All Stars Football Competition has come to stay also said it will be an annual football programme of the Anambra State Football Association (ANSFA) assuring that subsequent editions will be much bigger. 

The MANFES Pharmaceuticals CEO pointed out that Government cannot do it all as they also need the support of well meaning Ndi Anambra to use sports engagements as a platform for unity, social integration and job creation. 

He also thanked the Government of Prof. Chukwuma Soludo for providing an enabling environment for sports to thrive in the state.

Obinna Okeredo's exquisite of extraordinary quality on the half hour mark saw Evergreen All Stars begin the competition on a winning note following a 1-0 triumph over defending champions, Metu Memorial Secondary Scholl, Onitsha, All Stars.

The 2025 Manfes/ANSFA All Stars opening ceremony turned the Awka City Stadium to a carnival of sorte spot with football freaks, including Onitsha South Local Government Area, Chairman, Hon. Emeka Orji who eulogized the Manfes Pharmaceuticals Ltd boss for bankrolling the competition, describing it as 'key to social integration and unity'. 

"Football is the only unifying factor in the land and all efforts must be made to keep the game on in accordance with the rules and regulations guiding it", Hon Orji pointed out.

Hon Orji, who is also the Mayor of Onitsha South LGA urged the participating clubs to ensure they played according to the rules of the game.

ANSFA, Chief Chikelue Iloenyosi who was represented by Mrs Cordelia Akanna, a member of the ANSFA Board, assured that the football house is prepared to deliver a hitch free and successful competition that will eclipse the record of the previous editions. 

Chief Iloenyosi stated that the Main Organising Committee of the competition will leave no stone unturned to ensure a successful competition.

Others who expressed their views during the competition opener were Barr. Chijioke Ezenwanwe and Hon. Barr. Nonso Nwaebili among others.

The opening ceremony also featured march past by the twenty-seven participating All Stars Football Clubs and a ceremonial kickoff by the sponsor.

Fegge All Stars Club who came in large numbers with their supporters club won the March Past award of N50, 000.