Abia Gears Up for State Finals of Soccer Fest as Government Rallies Youths, Unveils Fixtures

Abia Gears Up for State Finals of Soccer Fest as Government Rallies Youths, Unveils Fixtures

Abia State has taken a major step toward advancing grassroots football with the successful conduct of draws and unveiling of fixtures for the 2025/2026 Abia Soccer Fest (ASF) State Finals.

Speaking at the ceremony held at the JAAC Building Hall in Umuahia, the Governor Alex Otti  represented by his Deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu described the tournament as a vital platform for youth engagement and unity across the state.

He noted that the Soccer Fest goes beyond competition, serving as a unifying force that brings together young people from different communities while promoting discipline and teamwork.

Dr. Otti commended organisers for ensuring a smooth and transparent draw process, adding that the growing interest in the tournament reflects its rising profile across all 17 local government areas.

The  Governor expressed confidence that this year’s edition would showcase outstanding talents and further strengthen social cohesion. He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to using sports as a vehicle for youth empowerment and community development.

He also urged participating teams to uphold discipline, dedication, and sportsmanship throughout the competition, reminding them of their responsibility as representatives of their local governments and role models for younger generations. Organisers and officials were equally charged to maintain professionalism to ensure credibility and fairness.

Earlier in his remarks, the Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Local Government Affairs, Hon. Prince Uzor Nwachukwu, said the tournament represents the fulfilment of a vision to develop football at the grassroots.

He recalled that the maiden edition of the Abia Sports Fiesta began in 2025 with participation from autonomous communities across the state.

According to him, the first phase, which ended in December 2025, produced about 60 promising talents at the local government level. He explained that the current stage would feature champions from each local government, marking a significant advancement in the structure of the competition.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, alongside the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Mr. Ude John Udeagbala, praised the state government for its continued investment in sports.

They emphasized that the initiative is designed to discover talents at the grassroots, promote unity, and provide meaningful engagement for youths.

They added that the competition has already fostered discipline and a sense of purpose among participants, while creating pathways for talents to excel at higher levels.

In her closing remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and Secretary of the ASF LOC, Lady Oge Maduka, expressed appreciation to the state government for its support. She also acknowledged the contributions of grassroots stakeholders, noting that the Soccer Fest would boost the visibility and development of young talents across Abia.

The well-attended event featured top government officials and key stakeholders, with highlights including the official draw ceremony and confirmation of fixtures for teams competing in the State Finals.