The Kelechi Anosike Foundation Abia Champions League began on Sunday at Williams Memorial Secondary School in Afugiri Ohuhu, Umuahia North Local Government Area. The league is sponsored by Dr Kelechi Anosike, the PDP governorship candidate for Abia State in 2027. The aim is to engage Abia youths through sports and help tackle unemployment.
The first match of the tournament featured Umuahia North against Umuahia South. It ended in a 1-1 draw after a tough battle on the field. Umuahia South scored first just two minutes into the game. Despite dominating with about 80 percent possession, Umuahia North managed to equalize in the last two minutes of added time.
After the opening ceremony, Anosike spoke to journalists. He said the league aims to find 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 stated.
He added, "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."
The tournament is divided into four groups across the 17 LGAs. The goal is to find outstanding players and develop their talents properly. Anosike explained that this league is part of a bigger plan to set up a Sports and Football Academy in Abia if he becomes 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. He also mentioned that the academy will offer structured training, mentorship, and exposure for young footballers and other athletes. This will help them move from grassroots to professional and international levels.
Anosike emphasized that engaging youths through sports can help find talents and keep them active. This will reduce restiveness and position Abia as a center for sports development in the South-East. He praised the players for their performance in the opening match and assured that future games would attract scouts and coaches.
Dignitaries, community leaders, and football fans attended the kick-off event. Organizers say this will be an annual competition aimed at bringing together the 17 LGAs through sports.
The KAF Abia Champions League will continue for several weeks, ending with a grand finale to crown “One Champion” for Abia State.
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