The novelty football match between Naze All Stars and Imo Football Legends, staged on Easter Sunday, 2026 at the Naze Secondary School, Naze Owerri-Imo in honour of late Super Eagles icon Henry Nwosu, has evolved into a renewed call for grassroots football development in Naze Autonomous Community.
The match sponsor, Mr. Ejike Urewuji (popularly known as IkuKu Oma), described the event as more than a tribute, noting that it represents a deliberate step toward reviving the community’s once-thriving football culture.
Checkthese stories too
Speaking with our correspondent, Urewuji revealed that plans for the novelty match had been concluded before the passing of the football legend. However, following news of his death, he decided to recast the fixture as a tribute in honour of his mentor, fondly called “Nda Henry,” while also using the occasion to promote the continuation of his legacy.
“I started my football journey under the late Henry Nwosu, MON,” Urewuji said. “Nda Henry was my mentor and also served as President of the Imo Football Legends.” “In fact, it was Henry Nwosu who took me to Akwa Ibom when he was the coach of Akwa United and it was while playing under him then that we won the Challenge Cup.
He added that the late football icon would be remembered not only for his exploits with the then Green Eagles but also for establishing the Henry Nwosu Cup — a community-based tournament that fostered unity and passion for the game in Naze.
“We remember him not only for his national achievements but for instituting the Henry Nwosu Cup in Naze, which became a unifying force in the community,” he noted.
Urewuji explained that the novelty match had initially been scheduled for the Easter period of 2026 to enable the participation of Naze All Stars players returning home for the holidays. However, the passing of Nwosu prompted a shift in purpose.
“I had planned the novelty match long ago and concluded arrangements, but when the sad news broke, I felt it was only right to dedicate it to his memory,” he said. “It was important to honour him through the game he loved and contributed so much to.”
He further disclosed that what began as a personal plan to visit the bereaved family soon transformed into a collective decision involving both teams.
“I intended to pay a condolence visit to his family, but when I proposed the idea to members of Naze All Stars and Imo Football Legends they all agreed and we paid the family a condolence visit before the novelty match was played”, he explained.
In demonstrating his commitment, Urewuji personally sponsored the visiting team and financed the logistics of the match. His gesture drew commendation from stakeholders, former teammates, and members of the Imo Football Legends, many of whom gathered to honour their late president.
Observers noted that the atmosphere surrounding the match rekindled memories of the vibrant football culture once driven by the Henry Nwosu Cup. The sidelines were filled with enthusiastic supporters, spirited interactions among veteran players, and young talents eager to showcase their abilities.
For Urewuji, the turnout reinforced his long-held belief that the community remains passionate about football and ready for its revival.
“I sincerely want to bring football back to Naze, just like in the good old days when Nda Henry introduced that Cup which united us so strongly. By God’s grace, we will achieve it,” he said.
Stakeholders within Imo State’s football community believe that revitalising the Henry Nwosu Cup could significantly boost grassroots development while restoring a sense of unity that has waned in recent years. Urewuji’s initiative, they say, could serve as a catalyst for that transformation.
Henry Nwosu’s place in Nigeria’s football history remains firmly established. Through initiatives such as this in Naze, his legacy as both a football icon and community builder appears set to endure — one match at a time.
