Rangers FC, celebrities to honour Mr Ibu with novelty match today

The late Nollywood actor John Okafor, also known as Mr. Ibu, will be honoured with a novelty match today (Tuesday) by Rangers International Football Club, celebrities, prominent figures, and fans in recognition of his incredible comedic career during his lifetime.

In the midst of their recent triumph, Rangers FC, the 2023–2024 Nigeria Premier Football League winners, will take part in the eagerly awaited game. The late actor's burial plans include organising this event.

This was stated in a statement provided to us on Tuesday by Monday Ani, the chairman of the Central Planning Committee for Mr. Ibu's funeral.

As the official club of the Enugu State government, Rangers, Ani pointed out that the novelty match is a way to honour the late Mr. Ibu, adding that the gesture is a sign of the state government's appreciation for him.
"The Novelty Match is scheduled to be held on Tuesday, June 25 at the Cathedral of Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu," according to a portion of the statement.

The Novelty Match is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. It is encouraged for friends, sports enthusiasts, and well-wishers to attend this historic game.

He thanked Lloyd Ekweremmadu, the Enugu State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, and Amobi Ezeaku, the general manager of Rangers FC, for their assistance.

"With particular gratitude to the Rangers FC general manager, Amobi Ezeaku, and Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Lloyd Ekweremmadu, for their remarkable effort and time invested in the planning of this novelty match,” he said.
Ani added that family and friends were still contributing to the funeral service, and the committee was grateful to everyone who wanted to honour the late Mr. Ibu, even in death.

"A special thank you to everyone who contributed their time, money, and effort to make this final remembrance a success, especially to the Best Family who provided a live cow for the occasion. The statement concluded, "May your efforts towards the success of this event be returned a thousandfold."

Remember that on Saturday, March 2, 2024, Mr. Ibu passed away?

The seasoned actor needed financial support after it was reported that he was unwell in October 2023.

However, his family acknowledged in November 2023 that he had had one of his legs amputated in order to preserve his life.
An ankle artery infection that was not discovered in time led to the need for the amputation, according to an exclusive chat with his former manager Emeka Chochoo in November 2023.