By Leonard Okachie
The Abia Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Chief Nwaobilor Ananaba, says the maiden edition of the Abia Soccer Fest has uncovered at least 60 talented young footballers from the grassroots.
Ananaba disclosed this at the opening ceremony of the state finals of the competition at the Ubakala Mini Stadium on Friday.
He said that the ministry had plans to showcase the budding soccer talents to top clubs and international scouts.
He lauded Gov. Alex Otti for his grassroots empowerment, saying that the competition aimed to grow local talents.
He said that the event featured teams from 17 LGAs, with 202 matches played across the 184 wards since August 2025.
In a remark, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Uzor Nwachukwu, said that players were drawn from the 771 autonomous communities.
“The essence of the entire competition is to grow our talents from the various communities.
“And I am happy to say that some of the players I am seeing here are 17 years or 18 years, so we are happy that they are coming out,” Nwachukwu said.
The Vice Chairman of the Local Organising Committee of the event, Eric Asomugha, commended the governor’s initiative, saying that the competition provides a platform for young players to shine.
Asomugha said that prizes to be won included cash awards for top teams and individual players.
He also said that other matches for the one month-long finals will be played at other venues, including Aba, Ntigha and Ohafia.
“This is the biggest grassroots soccer competition in this country.
“It is the first edition and we hope to sustain it, in order to discover more talents that will be showcased to the world from Abia,” Asomugha said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Isuikwuato LGA defeated Arochukwu LGA 1-0 in the opening match.
The competition is organised by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports and Youth Development.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Sam Oditah
