The Kelechi Anosike Foundation (KAF) Abia Champions League, sponsored by the Abia State PDD Governorship candidate for 2027 election, Dr. Kelechi Aonsike, rolled off the ground on Sunday at Williams Memorial Secondary School, Afugiri Ohuhu, in Umuahia North Local Government Area, with a promise to use sports as a tool to engage Abia youths and tackle unemployment.
The opening match of the inter-local government football tournament was between Umuahia North LGA, and Umuahia South LGA. It ended in a 1-1 draw after a fiercely contested encounter.
Umuahia South drew first blood, scoring within the first two minutes of the match. Umuahia North, despite dominating possession with an estimated 80 per cent, only found the equalizer in the last two minutes of added time.
Speaking to journalists after performing the kick-off ceremony, Dr. Anosike described the match as “very interesting and engaging,” and said the league is 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. 17 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 PDP governorship hopeful explained that the tournament is structured into Groups A, B, C and D across the 17 LGAs, with the goal of identifying outstanding players whose talents will be properly harnessed.
He said the league is part of a bigger vision to establish a Sports and Football Academy in Abia if he is 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 grassroots to professional and even international levels.
ANOSIKE
Anosike noted that youth engagement through sports will not only discover talents but also keep young people productive, reduce restiveness, and position Abia as a hub for sports development in the South East.
