The Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano has congratulated FC Ifeanyi Ubah for clinching this year’s Federation Cup after a gruelling penalty shootout with Nasarawa United on Saturday, describing the victory as a “gift to Anambra State.”

The highly elated governor praised the players and the coaching crew for demonstrating what he referred to as the “Spirit of Anambra” on the field of play by showing so much resilience, focus and determination to clinch victory and of course the trophy from their hard-fighting opponents.

Speaking through James Eze, his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Governor Obiano observed that though the club was a new entrant into Nigerian football, the players had approached the game with a tactical depth that was far ahead of their relative experience at this stage of competitive football.

Said he: “The lads showed the kind of resolve and concentration that you do not easily associate with new comers to this level of the game. They had everything going for them - focus, determination, tactical discipline and a hunger for victory. Although the Nasarawa boys put up their best effort, it was however, easy to see that our boys showed more thirst for victory."

"On behalf of the good people of Anambra State, I congratulate you on this great achievement. It is a gift to Ndi Anambra and a morale booster to our people at a time of great economic depression in the country," the governor stated, pointing out that the entire people of the state were proud of this singular achievement.

According to him, "FC Ifeanyi Ubah has once again proven to Nigeria that Anambra State is capable of great things. Don't forget that this state has always contributed outstanding athletes to the national pool of talents that have brought honour to Nigeria in the past. If you look at the Green Eagles of old, you will recall players like Emmanuel Okala, Sylvanus Okpala and others. In the Super Eagles, we have Mikel Obi, Obinna Nsofor, Chikelue Ilonyosi and others. In athletics, we have Innocent Egbunike, Mary Onyali, Francis Obikwelu and Tony Emedolu among others. So, Anambra has always excelled in sports. FC Ifeanyi Ubah is simply following our tradition of excellence in sports."

Governor Obiano therefore assured the club of the continued support of his administration as it prepares to represent Nigeria on the continent in the coming season.

•Photo shows Governor Obiano.

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