The Abia State Sports Council is set to engage in numerous sporting activities in 2026 and is leaving no stone unturned in its quest to record strong performances across all competitions.
This cheering news was disclosed by the Abia State Director of Sports, Comrade Obioma George, during a media chat in his office.
Top on the Council’s calendar is the hosting of the maiden Abia State South-East Shooting Seminar and Championship, scheduled to take place at the Umuahia Township Stadium. The seminar will hold from January 25 to 27, while the championship proper is slated for January 28 to 30, 2026.
The competition will feature Under-15 male and female categories, as well as senior male and female events.
Hosting the championship will enable Abia State to raise a formidable shooting team that will represent the state at zonal and national competitions, thereby increasing its chances of winning more medals, as shooting is a multi-medal sport.
Furthermore, the Sports Council is working round the clock to ensure Team Abia is adequately prepared for the forthcoming Niger Delta Games, scheduled to hold in Edo State.
In March, the 3rd National Para Games will take place in Abuja, and the Director of Sports assured that Team Abia will not only participate but will also put up a strong challenge for laurels.
The Council is equally gearing up for impressive outings at the National Youth Games and the National Sports Festival.
The newly introduced National Intermediary Games has also been factored into the Council’s plans. The competition is aimed at bridging the gap between the National Youth Games and the National Sports Festival by engaging and nurturing young athletes into well-prepared senior competitors capable of performing favourably at elite levels. Team Abia is expected to participate in the competition later in the year.
Beyond competition, Abia State continues to play an active role in sports administration at the national level, with Abians elected into the boards of six sports associations, including Shooting, Athletics, Kung Fu, Boxing, Scrabble and Rugby.
Comrade Obioma George attributed these achievements to the immeasurable support of the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, and the Honourable Commissioner for Sports, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba. He assured that Abia State will continue to be counted among the top sporting states in Nigeria.
