The 2025 Nationwide League One (NLO) playoffs at the Awka Centre have been struck by tragedy following the reported death of Ikukuoma FC captain, Chima Ukaegbu, Completesports.com reports.
In a related development, the NLO Secretariat has issued an indefinite suspension to Ekomzy Classics FC Head Coach, Ebere Ogbonna, along with three players—Uche Ibe, Chikere Vagazie, and Ome-Ego Kingsley—for alleged unsportsmanlike conduct during their matchday four 1–0 defeat by Ikukuoma FC. A member of Ekomzy Classics’ medical staff, whose identity has not been disclosed by the organisers, was also suspended.
Completesports.com investigations reveal that the late Chima Ukaegbu, 21, was a central defender.
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Chuks Dike, Team Manager of Ikukuoma FC, confirmed Ukaegbu’s death, stating that the defender was not part of the team at the Awka Centre of the ongoing playoffs due to an illness that has now claimed his life.
“Chima did not come here with us because of illness. His twin brother, Ikedi Ukaegbu, a midfielder, is here with us. We left him out of the trip to Awka due to his condition,” Dike told Completesports.com.
“We were shocked when we received information from home a few hours after our match against Ekomzy Classics that our team captain, Chima, had passed on.”
On Friday, the Ikukuoma FC boss further revealed that the bereaved twin, Ikedi, had been granted permission to travel home.
“Ikedi has been asked to travel home following the death of his twin brother, Chima. We sent one of our officials with him to assist in consultations regarding preparations for the burial,” he stated.
“Our thoughts are with the family at this difficult time. Ikukuoma FC, as a club, will do our best to support his burial.”
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Coach Ben Lotanna Ifejiofor, Team Manager of A&A Kiviasennus—one of the clubs participating in the Awka Centre playoffs—lamented Chima Ukaegbu’s passing, describing him as a disciplined and hardworking former player.
“Chima was a former player of my team, a pioneer member at that. Very disciplined, hardworking, and courageous. May his soul rest in peace,” Ifejiofor said.
In addition to the suspensions, the NLO has imposed a fine of ₦100,000.00 on Ekomzy Classics FC, to be paid into the league’s account before their next match on Sunday, 11 May 2025.
“This decision will be forwarded to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Disciplinary Committee for further sanctions,” the NLO said in a statement made available to Completesports.com.
By Sab Osuji
