By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Chairman of Udala FC, Uke, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Chief Philip Udala, was on Tuesday killed by unknown gunmen.

Also killed in the attack was the Team Manager of his football club, Godsent and the Secretary of Anambra Independent League (AIFL).

Udala, as he was fondly called was attacked at the Eke Agu market in Abatete, Idrmilil North Local government area of the state.

According to a source, Udala’s convoy was attacked by unknown gunmen who arrived the scene in two Highlander jeeps and one Lexus.

He said: “They shot the occupants of the car and set the three cars on convoy on fire with the people inside before leaving the scene.”

It was gathered that the assailants had reportedly attacked a local police station and were fleeing the scene when they met the convoy of Udala in Abatete and attacked it.

Udala, a jovial lover of football was before his death a grassroots football development master.

Confirming the incident on Wednesday in a text, the Chairman of AIFL, Rev. Fr Obinna Dike said: “The amateur league had lost two important members of the football family.

May the souls of Chief Philip Udala and Godsent Eriobu rest in the Lord, Amen.

“So sad, our worst fears are becoming reality, we lost them.”

The Police Command in the state confirmed the incident but did not speak on number of casualties

Meanwhile, the Management of Anambra Independent Football league (AIFL), has announced to the general public, that the AIFL Season 5 Grand Finale earlier scheduled for Friday, July 16, 2021, has been moved upward to Friday July 23, 2021 at same venue, St Mary’s High school field Ifitedunu.

The statement signed by AIFL Chairman, Fr. Obinna Dike said the shift is to honour the AIFL and organizing committee Secretary Godsent Eriobu and the Proprietor of AIFL former team Udala FC, Chief Philip Udala.

The statement reads in part: “As the AIFL awaits official confirmation and releases from the respective quarters, she pleads with numerous guests, stakeholders and teams for the event to kindly adjust accordingly, as inconveniences are regretted.”

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