By Ori Martins
Erstwhile Iwuanyanwu National players Joe Ubanwa (l) and Obinna Obiaka (r) in a sober reflection moments after the death of their former proprietor, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu was made public a forthnight ago.
Ubanwa Jonathan as he is well known, was a defender. He was among the players that transformed from Spartans to Iwuanyanwu Nationale in 1986.
In the first year of Nationale in 1986, Ubanwa paired effectively with the former Super Eagles reliable defender who was also the captain of the team, Sunny Ikwuagwu. Before then, he was the preferred choice of the many coaches who handled Spartans, for the central defence role. And one of his most cherished partners was gentleman Law Nwachukwu!
As Nationale progressed, Ubanwa easily became the most dependable central defender as he could effortlessly play alongside any of the other equally great central defenders like former Flying Eagles captain, Andrew Uwe, the late Goddy Eke, and Cyril Levi.
Ubanwa was absolutely sensational in the epic Federation Cup semi final encounter between Nationale and Leventis United of Ibadan in 1986. That game gave Ubanwa huge confidence as he curtailed Uwem Ekarika’s dangerous moves. That encounter was where the duo of Angus Ikeji and Benjamin Nzeako proved their mettle, respectively.
There are many stella games Ubanwa remembers as being memorable, he however recalls that the 1988 season was really Iwuanyanwu Nationale’s year of glory.
According to him, “Before 1988, Iwuanyanwu Nationale had played many memorable matches. For instance, our game against Leventis United in Owerri in 1986 was an epic encounter. It was the only game we drew in Owerri that season, and the only game we never got a goal at home.
“More memorable was our away outing against Shooting Stars in Ibadan. We trailed 3- 0 but eventually made it 3-3 in the end. It was also in 1986. The following year, we layed another super game that still lingers in the minds of our fans. It was a WAFU tie – that time, WAFU used to be a respected competition. After losing to Giraf of Senegal 3-0 away, we beat them here in Owerri on penalties. In 1987, Etim Esin was the centre of attraction.
“Then in 1988, Nationale played in the CAF Champions League. We qualified for the final and were to face Setif of Algeria. The NFF quoted a non existent CAF rule that forced us to Ibadan for the first leg. We won 1-0 but lost the reverse game 4-0, following terrible officiating and inclement weather conditions. Before then, we had lifted the Premier League and the Federation Cup. Additionally, we represented Nigeria in the 1988 pre – Olympic soccer competition and finished fourth.
“It was an honour being a part of the history making Iwuanyanwu Nationale of Owerri. A club that was a national team in composition and character.
“In 1988, we had Edward Absah, John Benson (both from Ghana), Friday Ekpo, Andrew Uwe, Goddy Eke, Uwen Ekarika, Thompson Oliha (the last three players are all late), Uwakwe Eke, Law Ukegbu and Paul Uzokwe. Others were Haruna, Sam Samuel Anozie, James Tombiri, Sunny Ikwuagwu, Bengy Nzeako, Toyin Ayila, Cyril Levi, Sampson Ozogula, Louis Igwilo, Sylvanus Oparanozie and few others.
“We were a family united by football. The foreign coach Teophanis Dimitris was exceptional. The team manager who later became the first general manager of a club, the late Uche Ejimofor, was ingenious. The fans were really supportive. And our chairman, the ever dynamic administrator, Prince Lemmy Akakem, was great man.
” Generally, we praise God. The man who made it to happen was the proprietor, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu. He was a father to us all as he ensured we never lacked anything. May his soul rest in peace
