09/03/2026
Governor Soludo's ₦20 Million Boost Makes 2025 Traders Sports Championship a Resounding Success
By Chinonso Onyeanusi
The 2025 Anambra State Traders Sports Competition concluded in spectacular fashion on March 8th at the Awka City Stadium, with Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo investing over ₦20 million to support the event. This year’s edition, the third edition in the history of the competition, attracted participation from over 150 markets and showcased remarkable talents across five sporting disciplines: football, Ayo/Ncho, draught, table tennis, and tennis.
In the football final, Nkwo Igbo-ukwu Market, claimed a commanding 3-2 victory over Bida Market, Onitsha, to lift the coveted trophy. Earlier, Odera Market, Awka, edged out Electronics Market, Ogbaru 4-2 in a thrilling third-place match.
While in the female finals Team Aguata trash Team Idemili North 4:1
The football medal table placed Nkwo Igbo-ukwu Market, in first place thereby winning sum of Six Million Naria followed by Bida Market, Onitsha in second thereby winning sum of Three Million Naria, and Odera Market, Awka, in third position thereby winning N1,500, 000
Beyond football, the championship crowned winners in four other sporting disciplines. In the draught competition, Nwanede Ugochukwu from Bida Market, Onitsha, emerged as the champion thereby winning the sum of Five Hundred Thousand Naria with Raphael Okoli from Plastic Market Onitsha there by winning the sum of Three Hundred Thousand, taking second place, and Nsoani Olisamah from Oraeri Market, Oraeri, there by winning the sum of Two Hundred Thousand Naria, finishing third position
In Table tennis, Chigozie Akabuike from Bida Market, Onitsha, took home the gold medal with the sum of Five Hundred Thousand Naria, followed by Frank Oyinsi from Ekeoyibo Market, Awka, in second place thereby winning Three Hundred Thousand Naria, and Stephen Olisamah from Otuocha Market, Awka, in third place thereby winning the sum of Two Hundred Thousand Naria.
The tennis competition saw Chibuzo Nwankwo from Ekeoyibo Market, Awka, emerge victorious with gold medal and Sum of Five Hundred Thousand Naria, while Albert Anele from Otuocha Market, Awka, claimed second place with sliver medal and Sum of Three Hundred Thousand Naria, and Pius Iloh from Odera Market, Awka, took third position with bronze medal and Sum of two hundred thousand Naria.
In the Ayo/Ncho event, Emeka Okoye from Eke Oyibo Market, Amawbia, triumphed, with gold medal with Sum of Five Hundred Thousand Naria, and Esther Nzeka from Nkwo Umunze Market, coming second with Silver medal and Sum of Three Hundred Thousand Naria and Nkemdilim Akpuogwu from New Parts Market, Nkpor, placing third position with bronze medal and Sum of Two Hundred Thousand Naria
The most valuable player of the tournament in Male Football is Okereke Joseph of Igboukwu market. He was rewarded with Sum of N50,000.
The championship, which kicked off on October 18, attracted 150 markets across the state, promoting unity and camaraderie among traders. Governor Soludo’s support underscores his administration’s commitment to fostering physical fitness and community engagement within the trading community.
Speaking at the event, Chairman Anambra State Sports Development Commission, Mr. Patrick Estate Onyedum commended Governor Soludo for his immense contributions, noting that the competition has become a platform for traders to bond, showcase their talents, and stay healthy.
Chief. Humphrey Anuna, President General of ASMATA, also lauded the governor's kind gesture towards the traders and his unwavering support for sports development in the state. He extended his gratitude to all the markets that participated in the event, emphasizing the importance of sustaining this initiative to further unite the trading community.
As the curtains closed on this year’s competition, participants and stakeholders expressed optimism for its future, with calls for even greater participation and expanded sporting categories. Governor Soludo’s initiative has undoubtedly set a benchmark for trader-focused events in the state.
The grand finale featured several dignitaries, Mr. Patrick Estate Onyedum, Executive Chairman Anambra State Sports Development Commission (ASSDC), Chairman of the Anambra State Market Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA), Chief Humphrey Anuna, Other notable attendees included Hon. Evarist Uba, Special adviser To The Governor On Trades and Market, Hon. Rome Ibekwe Mayor, Anaocha LGA and many others, adding to the excitement of the day.
©Jp Noskid For ASSDC
