The Confederation of African Football has appointed the proprietor of leading Nigeria Professional Football League club, FC IfeanyiUbah, Chief Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah, into the Organizing Committee for the Africa Cup of Nations.
FC Ifeanyi Ubah is one of the first Clubs in Nigeria to build its own football stadium from the scratch and Ubah, also the Chairman of Anambra State Football Association, has established a policy of attracting good hands in technical and playing realms, which has seen Brazilian coaches and players from other African countries serve the top club.
The club also has a sustainable youth development programme, with young players who step up to the plate regularly promoted to the senior squad.
The President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, said: “Nigeria is very happy with this appointment. It is a big plus for private football club owners in our country. Chief (Dr) Ifeanyi Ubah has done very well over the years and he very much deserves this appointment.
“I am of the belief that he will justify the confidence reposed in him and bring his wealth of experience to bear in serving the committee.”
The AFCON, which started as a three-team tournament in 1957, is CAF’s flagship championship, and will blossom into a one-month, 24-team tournament beginning from next year’s edition in Cameroon.