By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Ex-Rangers International of Enugu players, on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, crushed Anambra State All Stars team (Indigenes) to a 5-4 defeat on penalty to win the planned Onwa Dezemba novelty match in Awka, Anambra State capital.

The match which was kicked off by the State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, was organised with the sole aim of fostering community spirit, encouraging local football talents and appreciating old players.

Speaking at the event held at the Awka City Stadium, the Governor harped on the need to nurture and showcase homegrown sports talents, citing it as a key component of the state's development.

He expressed hope that the match would become an annual event that will ultimately create opportunities for players and supporters alike to engage in healthy competition, mingle and celebrate the rich football heritage of Anambra State.

Soludo further used the occasion to appreciate football clubs representing the state in the Nigeria National League (NNL) Conference A and B, Edel and Solution Football Clubs respectively.

The match drew large crowd of soccer fans, including government officials to the stadium that was recently painted, fenced and gated.