By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom
Umuahia, Dec. 12, 2025
The Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the Abia Soccer Fest says the first phase of the state’s grassroots football competition has ended, producing 17 local government champions.
The Chairman of the LOC, Chief John Udeagbala, disclosed this on Thursday, while briefing newsmen on the progress recorded since the competition began in August.
Udeagbala, represented by his deputy, Mr Eric Asomugha, said that the teams that emerged champions at the various LGAs would advance to the state finals.
He said that the first phase witnessed participation from all the LGAs, with 184 wards competing and 166 matches played.
According to him, prizes and awards were presented to the top teams, with the champions receiving half-a-million naira, runners-up one-quarter of a million naira, and third-place finishers N100,000.
Udeagbala also said that all the 184 participating wards also received N100,000 each as support to ensure smooth participation.
He said that the state finals would begin in the first quarter of 2026.
The LOC boss said that the 17 champions would be divided into four groups, with matches played across four zones.
The zones include Umuahia, Aba, Ohafia, and Ntigha and the grand finale would hold at the Umuahia Township Stadium.
Udeagbala said that the competition focuses at talent discovery and football development.
He further disclosed that over 50 promising players had so far been discovered from the more than 3,000 participants.
He said that scouts would be present during the state finals, while engagements with league clubs, reputable teams, and player managers had been scheduled to support talents progress into professional pathways.
Udeagbala said that the initiative aligned with the vision of Gov. Alex Otti for youth empowerment, talent development, and sustainable sports growth.
He thanked the State Government and members of the LOC for their commitment to the success of the competition.
He also thanked the governor for his leadership and support for the grassroots football programme.
Udeagbala urged residents to support the teams as the tournament progressed into the state finals, promising an exciting season of football from the grassroots level.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Uzor Nwachukwu, described the tournament as a priority project for the State Government because of its direct impact on communities.
Nwachukwu said that beyond discovering football talents through the exercise, the State Government desired to build formidable soccer teams for Abia.
He warned that no team would be permitted to field players outside those duly registered for the tournament.
Also, the LOC Secretary, Oge Maduka, thanked the media for their objectivity and professionalism in reporting the first phase of the tournament.
Maduka, who is also the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, said that the event was designed to build character and unity.
She assured Abia residents of the committee’s commitment to conduct the tournament transparently.
