The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate in Abia State for the 2027 election, Dr. Kelechi Anosike, has launched the Kelechi Anosike Foundation, KAF, Abia Champions League, a grassroots football tournament aimed at discovering and developing young talents across the state.
The competition, which kicked off on Sunday at Williams Memorial Secondary School, Afugiri Ohuhu, in Umuahia North Local Government Area, brings together football teams from the 17 local government areas of Abia State.
The opening fixture between Umuahia North and Umuahia South ended in a 1-1 draw after a keenly contested encounter.
Umuahia South took the lead within the opening two minutes, before Umuahia North secured an equaliser in the closing minutes of added time.
Speaking after performing the ceremonial kick-off, Anosike described the tournament as a platform for identifying promising footballers and providing them with opportunities to develop their talents.
He said the competition had been structured into four groups involving the 17 local government areas, with one team eventually emerging as champion.
Anosike said some promising players had already attracted attention during the opening fixture, adding that the foundation would continue to engage outstanding talents beyond the tournament.
The PDP candidate also unveiled plans to establish a Sports and Football Academy if elected governor in 2027, saying the proposed academy would provide structured training, mentorship and exposure for young athletes.
According to him, the initiative would create a pathway for talented youths to progress from grassroots football to professional and international levels.
Anosike said investment in sports would also serve as a means of youth engagement, providing productive opportunities for young people while helping to reduce restiveness and promote unity across the state.
He said the Abia Champions League was intended to become an annual competition that would bring young people from the 17 local government areas together through sports.
The governorship candidate further said subsequent matches would provide opportunities for scouts and coaches to monitor players and identify outstanding talents.
Community leaders, football enthusiasts and other dignitaries attended the opening ceremony.
The KAF Abia Champions League is expected to run for several weeks before culminating in a final where the overall winner will be crowned.
