Gov. Nwifuru Reaffirms Commitment to Grassroots Sports as Izzi DC Clinches IFA 2025/2026 Title

Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sports development and youth empowerment across the state, describing grassroots football as a vital tool for engaging and developing young talents.

The governor gave the assurance at the grand finale of the Izzi Football Association (IFA) 2025/2026 Super League, held at Community Secondary School, Nwofe, in Izzi Local Government Area.

Governor Nwifuru, who was represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Mr. Richard Ugo-Idike, congratulated Izzi Development Centre for emerging champions of the competition and commended the Izzi Football Association for organising a successful and hitch-free tournament.

He described Izzi DC’s victory as a reward for discipline, teamwork, and dedication, and expressed confidence in the team’s ability to defend the title in the 2026 season, while pledging the state government’s continued support for grassroots football development. Earlier, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Mr. George Iboko, attributed Izzi DC’s triumph to hard work and consistency, noting that the victory marked the team’s first title since the inception of the competition.

In his remarks, the National President of the Izzi Football Association, His Royal Highness, Eze Boniface Ezagu, thanked God for the successful staging of the tournament and applauded the Ebonyi State Government for prioritising youth empowerment through sports. He called for increased support for future competitions, including secondary school football, challenge cup, and girls’ football tournaments.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Chikaodili Ojemba, described sports as a veritable platform for youth development and announced a financial donation to support players, officials, and the league.

At the end of the keenly contested final, Izzi Development Centre defeated Nnodo Development Centre by two goals to nil to clinch the championship title. Mbeke Development Centre finished third, while the defending champions, Ekumenyi Development Centre, placed fourth. In prize money, Izzi DC received ₦2 million, Nnodo DC ₦1.5 million, Mbeke DC ₦1 million, and Ekumenyi DC ₦500,000.

Our Correspondent reports that the colourful final attracted top government officials, community leaders, and football enthusiasts from across Ebonyi State.