Since 2007 till date, six million, five hundred thousand naira is spent on each edition of NEROS Pharmaceuticals’ Anambra FA Cup. For the fourteen editions of the tournament, about ninety-one million naira has been spent on its sponsorship. This presents to us one of the highest corporate and individual sponsorship of grassroots sports development in Anambra State since its creation in 1991.

 

As the final of the 14th edition of NEROS Pharmaceuticals’ Anambra FA Cup takes the centre stage tomorrow, Saturday, June 11, 2022 at NEROS Sports Stadium, Nanka, let us take a look at the journey so far.

 

NEROS Pharmaceuticals Limited is one of the biggest pharmaceutical companies in Nigeria, founded by Dr Poly Emenike (MON), Odenigbo Nanka. The company’s sports policy and development plans are top notch. Despite the economic downturn and security challenges in the country, the company has shown extra capacity in making sure that grassroots football through the State FA Cup continues to blossom.

 

Dr Emenike’s love for grassroot sports dates back to 1983 when he started sponsoring Nanka Champions League, which still runs till today. Through NEROS Pharmaceuticals Limited, he constructed a gigantic stadium, known today as NEROS Sports Stadium in Nanka. The Stadium first hosted the Anambra State FA Cup and the final since in 2012. The stadium also hosted the Federation Cup Rounds of 32 and 16 matches in 2018 and 2019.

 

The NEROS Pharmaceuticals’ Anambra FA Cup came into existence in 2007 the company agreed to be the official sponsor of Anambra State Challenge Cup, now known as NEROS Pharmaceuticals’ Anambra FA Cup. It is a competition that has placed Anambra State on the map of footballing sector in Nigeria. It is regarded as the biggest state FA Cup in Nigeria.

 

The first, second, third and fourth placed teams at the end of the tournament go home with as much as two million naira, one million naira, five hundred thousand naira, and one hundred thousand naira, respectively. The two State FA Cup finalists represent the state in the nationwide FA Cup, known as the Aiteo Federation Cup. The organizational expenses, logistics, referees’ indemnities, media and publicity alongside the prize money sum up to six million, five hundred thousand naira each year for the sponsorship.

 

In 2012, NEROS Pharmaceuticals Limited won the best sponsor of State FA Cup in Nigeria for sponsoring a unique FA Cup that year. It was the year the final witnessed the National U-17 team, the Golden Eaglets performing a curtain raiser with Nanka Eleven at the NEROS Sports Stadium, which also which also marked the official opening of the stadium

 

The 2022 edition comes to its climax tomorrow, June 11, 2022 at NEROS Sports Stadium, Nanka between Peace Football Club, Awka and Nnewi United, Nnewi by 12noon. The final will be preceded by the female FA Cup final between Maureen Madu Kiddies, Onitsha and Awka Angels, Awka by 9am. Today, June 10, the third place match between Aspire F.C, Adazi Ani and All Stars, Ogbaru takes the centre stage for who will go home with N500,000 and N100,000.

 

As the curtain draws this weekend, special appreciation will go to the Anambra State Football Association Board members led by Engineer Victor Aniekwena (Vice Chairman). Also to Ralph Chidozie George of DSTV Supersports, Oliver Ndigwe, ex-junior internationale, Mrs Cordelia Akanna, retired referee and Chijioke Onyedika, the Secretary.

 

Special thanks to all the media personalities that gave the tournament state, national and international recognitions namely: Chukwuleta, Ikem Asika, Chimezie, Tony, Kachi, DJ Mega Money, DJ Famous, Aligo, Emeka Nwani, Ojeikere, Rasaq, Iykosky, Emma Eze, Dili C, Mickey, Munachimso, Chisom, Marvellous, Sab Osuji, and Jimbaz.

 

The 2022 NEROS Pharmaceuticals’ Anambra FA Cup final promises to be a big match day at NEROS Stadium, Nanka starting by 9am.

Invite a friend to invite a friend.

 

Written by ENGINEER AKONAM OBIEFUNA