Solution FC Controversy: Anambra, State FA at war over ownership, management

By Goodness Ndukuba, Awka

There is confusion over the ownership and management status of Anambra government owned Solution FC playing in Nigeria National League. ( NNL)

Solution FC was established by the Prof. Chukwuma Soludo administration in 2023 and participated in the NNL for three seasons.

The club has its home ground at the Awka township stadium and wears the traditional black and yellow of sbsnb as its jersey colours.

The uncertainty surrounding Solution FC is informed by a letter written by the Anambra State Football Association to Chief Operating Officer Nigeria National League (NNL) which indicated that the club had either been sold or transferred.

The letter signed by Ralph Nweke, the Secretary of Anambra FA and dated Sept. 16 is entitled “Notification Of Change Of Ownership And Change Of Club Name From Solution FC To Akubudike Football Club, Awka”

The FA said the change of ownership and name was part of the new management’s efforts to reposition the club, strengthen its administrative and technical structures and provide the necessary resources required for the club to participate effectively in the NNL

It urged the NNL to accord Akubudike FC every necessary assistance, guidance and administrative support in completing the processes arising from the change of ownership, name, updating of the club’s records and documentation with the League.

“The Anambra State Football Association hereby writes to formally notify the Nigeria National League (NNL) of the sale/transfer of ownership of Solution FC and the subsequent change of the club’s name to Akubudike Football Club.

“We kindly request the Nigeria National League to take note of the change and update its records to reflect the new identity of the club as: Akubudike FC, Awka, Anambra State

“We shall appreciate your cooperation and assistance as the new management begins this new chapter and works in towards building a well-structured, competitive and professionally managed football club,” it said.

Meanwhile, a Statement from the Ministry of Sports and Youth Development says Solution FC had neither been sold or renamed .

The Statement signed by Patrick Agha Mba, the Commissioner and dated October. 14 says Solution FC remained under the management of the Anambra Ministry Of Youth Development and Sports.

Mba said the reports suggesting that Solution FC had been sold or renamed should not be taken as established facts.

The attention of the Anambra State Ministry of Youth Development and Sports has been drawn to reports circulating in some quarters suggesting that Solution FC has been sold to Akubudike FC or renamed Akubudike FC.

“The Ministry wishes to state categorically that it is not aware of any such transaction or decision to rename Solution FC.

“The club remains under the management of the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports

“The Ministry also wishes to assure the public that any official information concerning the ownership, management, identity, or participation of Solution FC in the Nigeria National League (NNL) will be communicated through the appropriate channels,” he said.

Meanwhile, unconfirmed reports have it that the Commissioner has earlier this year dissolved the management team and appointed an interim supervisory team.

Though no official statement has been made by officials of the ministry of Sports and Youth Development even though the supervisory team has completed recruitment exercise for members of a new management team management.

On his part, the financier, Martin Nwabueze, Founder of Akubudike Foundation has assured the club ‘Akubudike FC’ would become a credible platform for discovering the next generation of football stars from Anambra and beyond.

A post on Akubudike Foundation Facebook page says the investment in football was not just about football but a deliberate effort to create opportunities for young people, discover and nurture sporting talents and provide a pathway for aspiring footballer