Anambra FA vows to end Iyke Igbokwe’s damaging antics in football

The Anambra State Football Association has been overwhelmed with complaints from football stakeholders across the state and nation about the unruly, defamatory, and unsportsmanlike conduct of Mr Iyke Igbokwe. The widespread concern stems from his negative impact on the football community’s morale.

The Anambra FA feels compelled to confront the issue due to the harmful effect Igbokwe’s behaviour has on football’s reputation in the state and beyond. Complaints pour in from various sports WhatsApp groups, social media, and football venues. The FA asserts that decisive action is needed to halt this destructive trend.

Despite numerous attempts by stakeholders to counsel Igbokwe on his damaging conduct, he continues unchecked, worsening the situation. The FA, under current leadership, refuses to watch as the self-styled “Torchlight of Nigerian Football” darkens the sport’s image.

In a proactive move, the FA has instructed its disciplinary committee to summon Igbokwe to substantiate his allegations against its Acting Secretary, Mr Ralph Nweke. These accusations have been deemed both baseless and unfounded.

It appears Igbokwe fails to distinguish between sponsorship and partnership in football administration. Taking the Anambra State All Stars Football Championship as an example, the FA emphasises its openness to investors supporting football development. The successes recorded are due to collaborative efforts between government and private interests.

While the championship is partnered with renowned pharmaceutical company MANFES, the FA clarifies that MANFES provides logistical support, not full sponsorship. The company released funds specifically for prize money, venue, match officials’ indemnities, and medical expenses—contrary to Igbokwe’s misleading claims.

True sponsorship entails funding the entire cost of competitions, which was not the case here. The Anambra FA maintains transparency and accountability in its financial dealings.

The FA describes Iyke Igbokwe as a neophyte in Nigerian football, neither an administrator, ex-international player, nor sports journalist. Instead, he uses social media to launch attacks on various facets of Nigerian football.

Questions arise as to why the Anambra FA should be accountable to Igbokwe. His relentless attacks on the Nigeria Football Federation, led by Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, have not gone unnoticed. The FA condemns his unwarranted verbal assaults on the Glass House, sports administrators, journalists, and others.

These damaging behaviours must cease. Igbokwe previously contributed to the downfall of defunct Gabros FC of Nnewi during his opportunistic tenure as General Manager. His erratic behaviour, alleged drug addiction, and dubious fundraising attempts have caused turmoil.

For instance, after independently covering a football match in Abakaliki, Ebonyi, he pressured the Ebonyi FA Chairman, Chief Obinna Ogba, for financial help. Despite no invitation, he used the occasion to attack the former NFF Vice President. The FA president had to intervene with N30,000 to prevent Igbokwe from being stranded.

No one is above discipline within the football community, and no one should be permitted to tarnish its integrity.

Editorial

We find ourselves confronted with a distressing but critical moment in Anambra football. The repeated disruptive conduct of Iyke Igbokwe, a figure more known for controversy than contribution, threatens to undermine the progress painstakingly achieved by stakeholders in the state.

Our community deserves better than a constant barrage of defamatory remarks and baseless accusations that sow discord and confusion. The distinction between sponsorship and partnership, for example, is a nuanced matter easily muddled by those unwilling to engage with facts, yet it becomes weaponised for character assassination.

Football thrives on unity, transparency, and accountability. It is these values the Anambra FA champions in its development initiatives and collaborations. To allow any individual to erode this foundation under the guise of “watchdog” is reckless and self-destructive.

We urge all involved in Nigerian football to rise above personal grievances and focus on collective growth. Igbokwe’s actions are not merely inconvenient they poison the very fabric of our sporting culture. The FA’s decision to invoke disciplinary measures is a step toward reclaiming dignity and order. Without such resolve, chaos and mistrust would continue unchecked, damaging the sport’s reputation.

It is our firm belief that safeguarding football’s integrity demands confronting such challenges head-on. Only through accountability and mutual respect can Nigerian football flourish and inspire future generations.

Did You Know?

1. The Anambra State Football Association is responsible for organising grassroots and professional football within one of Nigeria’s most populous states.
2. MANFES Pharmaceuticals has been an active partner in sports development, focusing on logistical support rather than full sponsorship in football initiatives.
3. The distinction between sponsorship and partnership in football can significantly affect financial transparency and operational control.
4. The Nigeria Football Federation’s leadership under Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau has prioritised restructuring and professionalism since his appointment.
5. Gabros FC, once a prominent club in Nnewi, folded due to financial and administrative difficulties exacerbated by internal conflicts.