The Abia State Government is poised to discover young football talents as the Abia State Football Fest (ASF) kicks off on August 23, 2025, across the 17 local government areas of the state.
The grassroots football tournament, targeting male youths aged 16 to 23, is jointly organised by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development. It aims to boost sports development by involving football clubs from all 184 political wards in the state.
Speaking during a press briefing at the JAAC Secretariat, Umuahia, Vice Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Captain Eric Asomugha, revealed that the LGA-level competitions would commence on August 23 and will later lead to a state-level tournament featuring the best teams from each LGA.
“In total, we’ll be hosting 202 matches over a span of six to seven months. Every match will produce a best player, and we’ll invite scouts from local, national, and international levels to spot talents during the tournament,” Captain Asomugha said.
He added that zonal draws would be conducted within the three senatorial districts in the state and disclosed plans to organise seminars for both players and officials. The seminars will cover the latest updates on football rules and will hold as follows: August 13 in Aba South for Abia South zone, August 15 in Ohafia for Abia North, and August 16 in Umuahia for Abia Central.
Captain Asomugha described the tournament as the first of its kind and praised Governor Alex Otti for his strong commitment to sports development in the state.
Also speaking, Hon. Anthony Chinasa, Co-Chairman of the House Committee on Sports and member representing Umuahia Central State Constituency, described the tournament as a talent-hunting initiative that will give Abia youths international visibility in football.
He commended Governor Otti’s leadership, attributing the state’s recent innovations and progress to his proactive governance.
Commissioners Prince Uzor Nwachukwu (Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs) and Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba (Youth and Sports Development) also lauded the governor’s unwavering support and applauded the LOC for their dedication.
They emphasized that the ASF is more than just a tournament, but a sustainable pathway to discovering and nurturing talents that will make Abia and Nigeria proud.
Present at the event were the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu; ASF LOC Secretary and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Lady Oge Maduka, Esq.; and other LOC members including Dr. Kalu U. Kalu and Sir Charles Nwokocha.
Leave a comment