Owner of new Nigeria National League (NNL) club Udala FC, High Chief Philip Chinonso Udala, was on Tuesday killed by unknown gunmen.
Udala’s death was confirmed in a press release signed by Udala FC General Manager, Henry Chinye and Media Consultant, Ralph Chidozie George.
It was confirmed that Udala was killed alongside his team’s manager, Godsent Eriobu and others in his convoy.
The bloody raid on High Chief Udala and his companions happened at Eke Agu Market junction in Abatete town, Idemili North LGA, Anambra State. The assailants caught up with the convoy as they were about making a stop at Udala’s newly opened Petrol Station, Claire Philip Petroleum, located about 100 metres from the junction.
The Petrol Station was named after his unborn girl child due to be delivered in a fortnight. He only wedded his pregnant wife three weeks ago.
“It is with the deepest regret and a collective broken heart that we announce the untimely death of our President, High Chief Philip Chinonso Udala (Nwanweniteaku Idemili),” the release read.
“Chief Udala tragically lost his life on Tuesday, July 13, 2021 when unknown gun men attacked his convoy killing him alongside our team’s manager, Godsent Eriobu and others.
“The primary thoughts of everyone at the Club are with the Udala family at this period of unspeakable loss.
“As a family, the management, players and technical crew we mourn his passing and hope to keep his vision for the team alive and make it his legacy.
“The football community in Anambra in particular and Nigeria in general have lost one of the most passionate men of the game.
“He was member of the Anambra State football Association (ANSFA) Caretaker committee that was set up by NFF to reposition football in the State in 2020.
“In February 2021 he sponsored the Udala Pre-season Tournament involving 8 teams from the South East and followed with Udala scouting programme involving another eight teams.
“Udala was a kind and generous man whose love for football was overflowing.
“Our Team Manager, Godsent Eriobu was truly Godsent to the team as he was there from inception as a pioneer player and Captain. He was also the Secretary of the Anambra Independent Football League (AIFL).
“At this difficult time we appreciate the support and solidarity of the football family.
“The funeral will be announced by his family.”
Udala FC of Uke in Anambra State is coached by David Gideon.
The club gained promotion to NNL from the the Imo centre of the NLO in 2021.
3 Comments
This is really sad. May God restore peace to our Nation. May all that died RIP.
Death just come be like normal thing for Nigeria, its so painfull, we kill our selves even as strong as lions and elephant they dont kill their own species.
Everywhere is flowing with blood in all corner of the nation, if na money be the courses, lets go back to trade by barter, or digital currency, to save our people.
This is bad for the Nation.