Anosike launches Abia Champions League

File: Abia State PDP governorship candidate for the 2027 election, Dr Kelechi Anosike

The Kelechi Anosike Foundation Abia Champions League, sponsored by Abia State PDP governorship candidate for the 2027 election, Dr Kelechi Anosike, kicked off on Sunday at Williams Memorial Secondary School, Afugiri Ohuhu, in Umuahia North Local Government Area, with a promise to use sports to engage Abia youths and tackle unemployment.

The opening match of the inter-local government football tournament between Umuahia North and Umuahia South ended in a 1-1 draw after a fiercely contested encounter.

Umuahia South drew first blood, scoring within the opening two minutes, while Umuahia North, despite dominating possession with an estimated 80 per cent, found the equaliser in the last two minutes of added time.

Speaking to journalists after performing the kick-off ceremony, Anosike said the league was designed to discover new 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,” he said.

“This is the Kelechi Anosike Foundation Abia State Champions League. Seventeen 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,” Anosike stated.

The tournament is structured into four groups across the 17 LGAs, with the goal of identifying outstanding players whose talents will be properly harnessed.

• Arbeloa tips Bassey for Fulham captaincy
• Trabzonspor tell Saudis to pay €30m for Onuachu
• LAWMA enlists youth groups in cleaner Lagos push

He said the league is part of a bigger vision to establish a Sports and Football Academy in Abia 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,” he said.

According to him, the academy will provide structured training, mentorship and exposure for young footballers and other athletes, creating a pathway from the grassroots to professional and international levels.

Anosike noted that youth engagement through sports would not only help discover talents but also keep young people productive, reduce restiveness and position Abia as a hub for sports development in the South-East.

He commended the players for their display in the opening game and assured that subsequent matches would be bigger, with scouts and coaches on hand to monitor performances.

Dignitaries, community leaders and football lovers were present to witness the kick-off of what organisers say will be an annual competition aimed at uniting the 17 LGAs through sports.

The KAF Abia Champions League is expected to run for several weeks, culminating in a grand finale to crown “One Champion” for Abia State.