40,000 Nigerian football fans gathered in Abuja's National Stadium Sunday, December 12, 2004 to watch Enyimba set another record. Enyimba Football Club won the CAF League Champions Cup for the second year running. This marked the first time a team won the trophy in successive years since Englebert of Zaire in the late 1960's.

Governor Orji Uzor Kalu's sports philanthropy and heroism were graced with an honour by Sports Writers Association of Nigeria(SWAN) on Wednesday. Kalu was crowned "Pillar of Sports" by Vice President Abubakar Atiku on behalf of SWAN in a colourful and well attended ceremony at the conference hall of Nicon Hilton, Abuja. Abukakar speaking at the occasion said that sports could be a significant factor in unifying the diverse people of the country, adding that Kalu's honour was well deserved. The Vice President expressed optimism in the unity of the country, stating that the presence of other governors in attendance irrespective of party affiliation signified one aspect capable of uniting Nigeria. He described Kalu as a man of conviction that never deviates from a course he believes is on the right track. The Minister of Sports, Col. Musa Muhammad, speaking, noted the contributions of Governor Kalu to sports which brought Nigeria pride in the international arena.

It should be noted that "Pillar of Sports" was one of the exclusive titles held by late Bashorun M.K.O. Abiola. Nigeria’s new Pillar of Sports, Governor Kalu, in his acceptance speech said he would do his best to impact on sports in the country, and added: "I know the enormity of the responsibilities as Pillar of Sports of Nigeria, I also know that with God and support from all sports-loving Nigerians, we shall collectively accomplish the task of moving our sports forward. I want to assure Nigerians that the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) made a very good choice in making me the Pillar of Sports. I will ensure that Nigerian soccer takes a leap and a new approach toward achieving our set goal." He continued; "I’m well endowed to play the sports politics in both Africa and globally. I can play the politics in CAF and FIFA very well. Fortunately, it’s a politics devoid of rancour and acrimony. It’s the politics of high men; high quality and men with similar goals. It’s not a do-or-die politics, it’s politics of win or lose." Kalu revealed that he rejected the award initially because he was honoured with Maiyakin Katsina, a title last held by late Abiola a few weeks before his Pillar of Sports award. "I initially hesitated when SWAN approached me with the award because I just took one of the late M.K.O. Abiola’s titles in Katsina. After due consultations with my people, they encouraged me to accept the honour. And I’m indeed grateful to God and SWAN for recognizing my contributions to the development of sports in Nigeria." Kalu said, and added that he was nevertheless excited to step into the late Abiola's shoes.