ABSG CELEBRATES MAIDEN ABIA SOCCER FEST AS ABA SOUTH EMERGES CHAMPION
As part of activities marking the third anniversary of the administration of the Governor of Abia State, His Excellency Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, the Abia State Government successfully hosted the grand finale of the maiden edition of the Abia Soccer Fest, with Aba South Local Government Area defeating Ukwa West Local Government Area in an exciting final match held at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba,
Speaking during the tournament on Wednesday 27th May, 2926, the Governor described the tournament as a celebration of talent, unity, friendship, and the limitless potential of Abia youths.
The governor was represented by the Deputy Governor Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu commended the participating teams for their discipline, resilience, and outstanding sportsmanship throughout the competition.
According to him, the Abia Soccer Fest has once again demonstrated the unifying power of sports in promoting healthy competition, youth engagement, and community development across the 17 Local Government Areas of the State.
The State Chief Excutive also commended the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development and the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs for their collaboration in organizing the impactful tournament. He noted that beyond football, the competition stimulated economic activities, created opportunities for local businesses and vendors, and positively engaged young people across the state.
“The tournament has equally provided a platform for football scouts and talent managers to identify emerging talents from grassroots communities,” the Governor stated.
He disclosed the commitment of the Abia State Government to sustained investment in sports infrastructure, youth development programmes, and talent discovery initiatives.
Earlier in his remarks, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzo Nwachukwu, described the tournament as “awesome,” emphasizing that it successfully encouraged massive youth participation from the grassroots level to the state finals.
Prince Nwachukwu disclosed that about 59 exceptional football talents had already been identified during the competition, revealed that arrangements had been concluded to organize exhibition matches for the selected players before international scouts, with the aim of securing opportunities for them in local and international football clubs.
He further assured that the administration of Governor Alex Otti would continue to sustain programmes aimed at promoting youth and sports development in the state.
Contributing, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sir Nwadinma Ananaba, described the tournament as a practical demonstration of the government’s commitment to empowering youths through sports, agriculture, technology, and skill acquisition initiatives.
Sir Ananaba revealed that international scouts from France, Serbia, and the Czech Republic were expected in the state to assess outstanding players discovered during the competition, with prospects of securing professional football opportunities for them in Europe and other international clubs.
He added that several talented players had already been identified for possible recruitment into Abia-based football clubs, including Abia Warriors and other developmental teams.
In their separate remarks, the Mayor of Ukwa West Local Government Area, Hon. Pastor Dike Nwankwo, and his Aba South counterpart, Hon. Anyanwu Obialor, reiterated their councils’ commitment to sustaining grassroots sports development through continuous local competitions and youth engagement programmes.
They highlighted the abundance of football talents discovered during the competition and described the tournament as a huge success, noting that over 159 matches were played throughout the six-month-long event, also emphasized plans to expand grassroots football development initiatives to include various age-grade competitions for both male and female athletes.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Abia Soccer Fest Organizing Committee, Ide John Udeagbara, thanked God for the successful completion of the tournament and expressed appreciation to Governor Alex Otti for the opportunity to serve.
Also, in an interview, the Secretary, Local Organizing Committee and Permanent Secretary Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Lady Oge Maduka appreciated Governor Alex Otti for inspiring young people to pursue sports through his youth friendly policies.
Lady Maduka congratulated all the participants in the Abia FEST and challenged them not to give up.
At the end of the keenly contested final, Aba South Local Government Area defeated Ukwa West Local Government Area 2–1 after a penalty shootout to emerge champions of the maiden Abia Soccer Fest.
The highpoint of the event was the presentation of medals and trophies to the winners and outstanding participants.
Present at the event were government officials, members of the State Executive Council, political appointees, stakeholders in the sports sector, and management and staff of the Ministries of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs as well as Youth and Sports Development.
