2025/26 IFA League: Izzi Football Association Rewards Champions, Lauds Nwifuru’s Sports Revival Drive

The Izzi Football Association (IFA) has presented cash prizes to outstanding teams at the conclusion of the 2025/26 IFA League season, marking a successful end to the tournament.

The prize presentation ceremony took place over the weekend in Abakaliki, where the President of the IFA, His Royal Highness Eze Boniface Ezeagu, formally presented awards to the champions and other top-performing teams. Addressing players, officials, and stakeholders at the event, Eze Ezeagu commended the league’s organizing committee and match officials for their commitment and sacrifices, which he said ensured a hitch-free, credible, and competitive season.

He described their efforts as commendable and instrumental to the success of the league. The IFA President also applauded the Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, for his deliberate and sustained efforts toward reviving sports development across the state.

According to him, the administration’s renewed focus on sports remains a powerful tool for curbing youth restiveness while promoting discipline, unity, and productivity among young people. Eze Ezeagu further praised the participating teams for their passion, vigour, and exemplary sportsmanship, noting that these qualities significantly contributed to the success of the 2025/26 season.

He urged Ebonyi youths to continue supporting the governor’s initiatives aimed at eradicating social vices through sports and youth development programmes. He also appreciated the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Hon. Richard Idike, as well as other Izzi stakeholders, for their unwavering support.

He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to strengthening the IFA Super League through improved organisation and the introduction of innovative reforms.

Speaking on behalf of the winners, the Coordinator of Izzi Development Centre, Hon. Pascal Obiya, expressed gratitude to Governor Nwifuru for restoring sporting activities across the state. He also commended the IFA leadership and officials for the effective organisation of the league.

Hon. Obiya, however, appealed for an improved reward package for winning teams in future editions, noting that enhanced incentives would further motivate clubs and players to perform at higher levels.

Earlier, the Local Organising Committee Chairman for the 2025/26 season, Comrade George Iboko, thanked team leaders and officials for their cooperation and support, while also expressing gratitude to God for the successful completion of the tournament. Other teams that received prizes include Nnodo Development Centre, which finished in second position; Mbeke Development Centre, third; and Ekumenyi Development Centre, fourth.