By Leonard Okachie
The Abia State Government says it has concluded arrangements for a successful football tournament, with 184 wards across the 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs) competing for laurels.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the competition, tagged “Abia Soccer Fest” (ASF) is the first of its kind in the state.
The Vice Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Eric Asomugha, addressed newsmen on Saturday in Umuahia on the committee’s level of preparedness after holding the draws for Abia Central.
Asomugha, a former CAF member, said that 3,312 footballers would take part in the tournament.
He said that the competition, which would commence on August 23, is open to male Abia residents between the ages of 16 and 23.
He also said that the footballers would play 202 matches during the over six months duration of the tournament.
Asomugha, who is also the ASF Director of Technical, said the tournament would progress from ward to LGA, culminating in a state-level, featuring the best teams from each LGA.
He said that the competition was being organised by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.
He commended Gov. Alex Otti for his visionary leadership by giving opportunity to youth football and sports in general in the state.
“It is not just about who wins, it’s about the talents that we are determined to hunt, discover and develop.
“We look forward to having local, national and international scouts coming around to catch them young.
“There are prizes to be won, but everybody is a winner actually,” he said.
NAN reports that Abia has organised a series of sports competitions recently, including the just-concluded secondary school games, initiated to catch the athletes young.
(NAN)
