Follow Us on Google
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Abia State for the 2027 election, Dr. Kelechi Anosike, has launched the Kelechi Anosike Foundation (KAF) Abia Champions League, promising to establish a sports and football academy to harness the talents of youths if elected governor.
The grassroots football tournament, which kicked off on Sunday at Williams Memorial Secondary School, Afugiri Ohuhu, in Umuahia North Local Government Area, is designed to bring together players from the 17 local government areas of the state and provide a platform for discovering and developing young talents.
The opening fixture between Umuahia North and Umuahia South ended 1-1 after a keenly contested encounter.
Umuahia South took an early lead within the first two minutes, while Umuahia North, despite dominating possession for much of the match, secured the equaliser in the closing minutes of added time.
Speaking after performing the ceremonial kick-off, Anosike described the competition as an opportunity to discover football talents across the state. “For me, it is a very interesting and engaging football competition. It is the first of its kind and we have seen stars.”
According to him, the competition is structured into Groups A, B, C and D, involving the 17 local government areas, adding, “This is the Kelechi Anosike Foundation, Abia State Champions League. 17 Local Government Areas, one league and one champion. So this is where stars are born. We have witnessed some and we have picked some stars already and with time, we will engage them further.” The PDP candidate said the football tournament forms part of his broader vision for youth development, which includes the establishment of a Sports and Football Academy if elected governor in 2027.
“This is what we promised Abians: Sports and Football Academy, to engage the youths and bring out the best in them.”
Other News
Anosike said the proposed academy would provide structured training, mentorship and exposure for young footballers and other athletes, creating opportunities for talented youths to progress from grassroots football to professional and international levels.
He said youth engagement through sports would go beyond talent discovery, stressing that it would also provide productive avenues for young people, reduce restiveness and contribute to the development of Abia’s sports sector.
The governorship hopeful commended the players who participated in the opening fixture, assuring that subsequent matches would attract scouts and coaches who would monitor outstanding performances.
He said the initiative was intended to become an annual competition that would use sports to promote unity among the 17 local government areas.
Community leaders, football enthusiasts and other dignitaries attended the opening ceremony.
The KAF Abia Champions League is expected to run for several weeks before culminating in a final to determine the overall champion of the competition.
