From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
Former Nigeria international and President of Papillo FC, Nwankwo Kanu has harped on the need for grassroots football development in the country.
Kanu stated this at Abiriba in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State after a football match involving his club, Papillo FC and a local club side, Ahudiya Nnem FC of Abiriba.
The Papillo President, who said he was pleased with the quality of football on display, however said more could be done to develop football at the grassroots level.
He lauded the efforts of Dr Robert Onyeani aka Roco, founder of Ahudiya Nnem FC, for bringing hope to the young people in Abiriba kingdom through sports.
The former Nigerian international assured of his continued support for the growth of football in Abiriba and Abia as a whole.
Organiser of the football match and founder of Ahudiya Nnem FC, Dr. Onyeani expressed joy with the quality of football displayed by both sides.
While expressing his gratitude to the Papillo team, Dr Onyeani assured that his team would engage in a return match in Owerri in no distant time.
He said the ultimate goal of organising the match was to develop football at the grassroots level.
In the match played at the Amogudu-Abiriba Central Stadium, Ahudiya Nnem FC defeated Papillo FC by a lone goal.