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When Nigeria won World Cup Via CKC Onitsha in 1977

I had a pleasant phone call from my dear friend, Benjamin Uzoka, alias Avenger, who had the distinction of winning a world cup as a teenager! Incidentally, his teammate and also my friend, Arthur Ebunam has also called me up to fix up a date to go out for drinks.
Not many Nigerians know that the country won a world cup in football back in 1977. Most Nigerians would regale you with stories of 1985, when Nigeria won the maiden Kodak Under-16 World Cup through the Nduka Ugbade-led team.
The unknown truth is that Christ the King College (CKC), Onitsha, won the world schools cup in Dublin, Ireland back in 1977.
The Americans, for instance, would play a game that nobody knows of between two United States cities and loudly celebrate it as winning the World Series!
Now let’s celebrate our young lads from CKC Onitsha, who after winning the Anambra State and Nigerian Academicals Cup in 1977, then went ahead to represent Africa in the global competition in Dublin, and ended up carting the coveted cup home.
It was in Awka, the capital of Anambra State that I ran into Hon Arthur Ebunam, the midfield maestro of the CKC team that made history. Arthur Ebunam would eventually play for Rangers International of Enugu and the Green Eagles of Nigeria before travelling to Clemson University in the United States, for further studies on a football scholarship.
The CKC team that won the cup was made up of the crack goalkeepers Peter Ogbodo and Paul Obiakor; ace defenders Sylvester Ezeani, Amaechi Igweobi, Benjamin Uzoka, Valentine Nnadi, and Mbanefo Chukwurah; astute midfielders Arthur Ebunam, Patrick Ikeagu, and Ugochukwu Nebedum; wily wingers Chibo Offodile and Samuel Igwenagu; and of course the deadly strikers, Skipper Nnamdi Nwokocha and Okey Ozoh.
The CKC boys played seven matches in the competition and did not lose any match. Germany, The Netherlands, Italy and Turkey were the previous countries that won the tournament. Some 14 countries took part in the tourney. Aside from winning the tournament trophy, the CKC stars won the best-behaved team trophy.
The boys of CKC Onitsha, beat Luxemburg 2-0 with Skipper Nnamdi “Camel” Nwokocha scoring both goals. The boys went ahead to pip France 1-0 with Nwokocha scoring the only goal. Finland fell 2-0 with Nwokocha also netting both goals.
The CKC boys annihilated Denmark 8-0 with the strikers Nwokocha and Okey Ozoh scoring hat-tricks while the wingers, Chibo Offodile and Samual Igwenagu, bagged the remaining two goals.
The all-conquering team had to settle for a 1-1 draw with the host nation Ireland with Skipper Nwokocha scoring CKC’s only goal.
Holland suffered a 1-0 loss as Okey Ozoh scored the winner.
In the pulsating final against Turkey, the CKC boys led with two goals from the lethal boots of Okey Ozoh before the Turkish lads equalised, thereby forcing a penalty shootout which CKC won 7-5, with the winning kick coming from Patrick Ikeagu, who famously asked Coach Chukwuma Igweonu: “Coach, isi’mgbaa?” that translates to: “Coach, did you ask me to take the kick?”
Thus Nigeria won her first ever world cup in 1977, but the country is yet to give these breakthrough CKC boys there deserving due.
Some of the winners have passed away such as Skipper Nwokocha, but the living ones like Arthur Ebunam and Benjamin Uzoka are ready pointers to what needs to be done to honour our “heroes past” in the words of the National Anthem
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Accusations Against Seyi Tinubu Unfounded, Says Obidike in Defense of Philanthropic Efforts

Chief Hon. Chukwuebuka Obidike, a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has rejected the recent allegations levied against Seyi Tinubu regarding the purported assault and abduction of Comrade Atiku Isah, the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
In a conversation with our reporter, Obidike characterized these allegations as unfounded, malicious, and a misguided effort to damage the reputation of the President’s son while undermining his charitable contributions.
“It is profoundly troubling that Comrade Atiku Isah would resort to such measures to implicate Seyi Tinubu in matters he is not involved in,” Obidike stated. “Seyi Tinubu is a dedicated Nigerian who has consistently championed youth empowerment and national progress. Linking him to acts of violence is not only unfair but utterly reprehensible.”
Obidike, who also holds the position of Chairman at Clarivo Oil & Gas Limited, emphasized that Seyi Tinubu’s commitment to grassroots initiatives and ongoing support for marginalized communities—particularly in Northern Nigeria—cannot be extinguished by “petty blackmail” or “misguided attacks” from the NANS President.
He further suggested that these accusations are part of a larger scheme aimed at undermining the goodwill Seyi Tinubu enjoys, especially among youth in the north, in the lead-up to the 2027 presidential election.
Obidike called for security agencies to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the matter to reveal the truth. He also urged Comrade Isah and the NANS leadership to redirect their focus toward authentic student advocacy and educational reform, rather than allowing their organization to be a platform for political smear campaigns.
In closing, Obidike reaffirmed his steadfast support for Seyi Tinubu, asserting that no amount of intimidation would hinder his efforts to uplift the underprivileged and foster a positive impact on Nigerian youth.
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Zango/Jaba 2027: The Inspiring Philosophy Of Brigadier General Simon Katunku Gora (Rtd)

By Tambaya Julius, Abuja
Brigadier General Simon Katunku Gora (Rtd) is more than just a retired military officer he is a living embodiment of discipline, selflessness, and spiritual conviction. With close to 30 years of distinguished military service, General Gora’s legacy continues to resonate beyond the battlefield. His guiding philosophy is built upon unwavering values such as humility, honour, and a profound respect for human life. His principles are not abstract ideals, but actionable beliefs that have shaped every stage of his journey.
In a world where ego often leads, General Gora believes that humility is a far greater strength than arrogance. For him, humility allows leaders to listen attentively, act compassionately, and lead with wisdom. It cultivates patience and empathy, qualities essential for unity and understanding. Rather than viewing humility as a weakness, he recognises it as a powerful tool for personal growth and effective leadership. In every setting military or civilian he has led by example, always placing people before power.
Respect, according to General Gora, is the glue that holds communities and nations together. It is not just about courtesy; it is about acknowledging the dignity of others. His leadership style has always revolved around respect for subordinates, colleagues, and adversaries alike. Equally central to his life philosophy is the value of selfless service. General Gora has always believed that the highest calling is to serve others, especially in times of hardship. Whether addressing poverty, illness, or injustice, he consistently acts from a place of compassion.
Deeply spiritual, General Gora attributes his inner strength and resilience to his faith in God. He believes that love and the desire to serve are divine gifts, empowering individuals to rise above selfish interests and contribute meaningfully to society. Every act of kindness, in his view, is a reflection of God’s grace. His Christian faith informs his moral compass and underpins his unwavering dedication to national and communal service. By embracing this divine calling, he lives out his purpose with a sense of joy and fulfilment.
General Gora’s heart is moved by the suffering of others. Whether it’s the sting of hunger, the pain of illness, or the shadow of despair, he feels a personal obligation to alleviate hardship wherever possible. He envisions a future where every citizen’s basic needs are met a society built on compassion, justice, and opportunity. His hope is not passive; it drives his ongoing efforts to support vulnerable communities and advocate for meaningful change.
Authenticity has been the bedrock of General Gora’s character. He believes in remaining true to one’s values, even in the face of adversity. Rather than conforming to external expectations, he has consistently chosen the path of integrity, striving to align his actions with his beliefs. For him, success is not measured by titles or wealth, but by the positive impact one leaves behind. His journey is a powerful reminder that living authentically is not only liberating it is essential for lasting fulfilment.
Every goal General Gora sets is grounded in clear intention. He approaches life with dedication, joy, and a deep sense of responsibility. Whether achieving a milestone or facing a setback, he meets each experience with grace, trusting that the journey itself is as important as the destination. His commitment to purpose-driven living is evident in his personal life, his military service, and his continued engagement with social causes. This clarity vision of Gen. Gora fuels his determination and inspires those around him to pursue excellence with integrity.
General Gora’s mission in life extends beyond personal success. He firmly believes that each person is born with a God-given purpose, and that fulfilment comes from serving that purpose faithfully. Whether through national defence, community upliftment, or spiritual growth, his ultimate aim has always been to make a meaningful difference. He finds value in small acts of kindness and believes in the ripple effect of positive change. For him, even the smallest contribution to humanity is significant.
The true measure of a successful life, according to General Gora, lies in the legacy one leaves behind. He is not concerned with accolades or recognition; instead, he strives to leave the world better than he found it. His ambition is not driven by ego, but by a heartfelt desire to improve lives, foster unity, and inspire future generations. By nurturing others, standing for justice, and promoting peace, he continues to plant seeds of hope for a brighter tomorrow.
As he reflects on his remarkable journey, one core belief shines through: unity is the foundation of collective progress. “United we stand, divided we fall” is not just a slogan for General Gora it is a truth that he has lived by. He understands that true strength lies in togetherness, and that a united people can overcome even the greatest of challenges. His vision for the future is one of cooperation, shared success, and national pride.
Brigadier General Simon Katunku Gora (Rtd) stands as a beacon of principled leadership in an ever-changing world. His life serves as a powerful reminder that true greatness lies not in dominance, but in service and humanity.
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No Amount Spent On Propagating Religion Is Too Much—Sokoto Go

By Ankeli Emmanuel, Sokoto
Sokoto state governor, Ahmed Aliyu has reassured that whatever amount spent for the propagation of religion is worthwhile.
The governor who stated this during the official inauguration of Hassan Dan Mu’azu Jumu’at mosque, Runjin sambo area renovated and remodelled by the State Government, added that, he will continue to accord priority to religious propagation.
“”No amount of money spent in the propagation of islam will be viewed as much, and our administration is ever ready to participate actively in such worthy endeavour””, Governor Aliyu enthused
Represented by his deputy, Alhaji Idris Mohammed Gobir, the governor thanked Sokoto’s people for their continued support and prayer for his administration.
A statement by the deputy governor’s spokesperson, Garba Mohammed, had quoted Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko as saying the commendable performances of the governor in less than two years in office has proved all doubting Thomases wrong
Senator Wamakko who is the leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and represents Sokoto north Senatorial district, said the governor has recorded unparalleled performances within two years in office.
According to Wamakko, some wondered and even kicked against the candidature of now governor Ahmed Aliyu saying he was infamous, adding however that, they bluntly forgot that pointing out that, “one with Allah is the majority”.
“”Some people refused to support Ahmed Aliyu’s candidature as they were doubting his capacity to pilot the affairs of the state effectively””.
Continuing, Senator Wamakko further expressed optimism that the state would witness more dividends of democracy under governor Ahmed Aliyu’s leadership, hence, “he has so far proved to be a blessing to the state”.
Wamakko therefore expressed his appreciation to the people of Sokoto state for their continued support and cooperation to the Ahmed Aliyu led adminstration even as appealed to them to keep it up.