The Abia State Government has successfully concluded the maiden edition of the Abia Soccer Fest, with Aba South Local Government Area emerging champions after defeating Ukwa West Local Government Area in a thrilling final held at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba.
The football tournament formed part of activities marking the third anniversary of the administration of Governor Alex Otti and brought together teams from the 17 Local Government Areas of the state.
Speaking at the grand finale on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, Governor Alex Otti, represented by the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, described the competition as a celebration of talent, unity, friendship and the immense potential of Abia youths.
He commended all participating teams for their discipline, resilience and sportsmanship throughout the tournament, noting that the competition had once again demonstrated the power of sports in fostering unity, healthy competition, youth engagement and community development across the state.
The Governor also praised the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development and the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs for their collaboration in organizing the tournament. According to him, the competition extended beyond football by stimulating economic activities, creating opportunities for local businesses and vendors, and positively engaging young people.
He further noted that the tournament provided a platform for football scouts and talent managers to identify promising talents from grassroots communities and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to sustained investment in sports infrastructure, youth development programmes and talent discovery initiatives.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzo Nwachukwu, described the tournament as a huge success, emphasizing that it encouraged massive youth participation from the grassroots to the state finals.
He disclosed that about 59 outstanding football talents had already been identified during the competition and announced plans to organize exhibition matches for the selected players before international scouts to create opportunities for them in local and foreign football clubs.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sir Nwadinma Ananaba, said the tournament reflected the government’s commitment to youth empowerment through sports, agriculture, technology and skills acquisition programmes.
He revealed that international scouts from France, Serbia and the Czech Republic were expected in the state to assess exceptional players discovered during the competition, with the possibility of securing professional football opportunities abroad. He added that several players had already been identified for possible recruitment into Abia-based clubs, including Abia Warriors and other developmental teams.
In their separate remarks, the Mayor of Ukwa West Local Government Area, Hon. Pastor Dike Nwankwo, and the Mayor of Aba South Local Government Area, Hon. Anyanwu Obialor, pledged continued support for grassroots sports development through regular competitions and youth-focused programmes.
They highlighted the abundance of football talent discovered during the six-month tournament and described the event as a major success, noting that more than 159 matches were played.
They also expressed plans to expand grassroots sports development to include various age-grade competitions for both male and female athletes.
The Chairman of the Abia Soccer Fest Organizing Committee, Ide John Udeagbara, thanked God for the successful completion of the tournament and expressed gratitude to Governor Otti for the opportunity to serve.
In an interview, the Secretary of the Local Organizing Committee and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Lady Oge Maduka, commended the Governor for inspiring young people to embrace sports through his youth-friendly policies. She congratulated all participants and encouraged them to remain committed to pursuing their dreams.
At the end of the keenly contested final, Aba South defeated Ukwa West 2–1 after a penalty shootout to emerge champions of the maiden Abia Soccer Fest.
The event climaxed with the presentation of medals and trophies to winning teams and outstanding participants.
Dignitaries at the event included government officials, members of the State Executive Council, political appointees, stakeholders in the sports sector, and management and staff of the Ministries of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs as well as Youth and Sports Development.
