Ogah Unites Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Youths Through Football, Discovers New Talent

The tournament, which was designed to unite young people across the constituency, promote grassroots sports development, as well as,  discover football talents, culminated in an exciting final match, where Amuda Ward defeated Isiala Ward 3 of Isuikwuato 2-1 after 60 minutes of action.

In the third-place match, ABSU/Umuanyi Ward 10 defeated Ezingodo Ward 2-0 to secure third position.

Speaking during the grand finale, the Abia State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Hon Nwaobilor Ananaba, commended Hon Ogah for organizing what he described as a unifying platform for young people.

According to him, football competitions help keep youths productively engaged and away from crime and other social vices.

He disclosed that the state government would monitor outstanding players from such competitions and integrate them into professional clubs, including Abia Warriors and Abia Comets, noting that a similar opportunity had already been extended to one of the participants by the chairman of Enyimba FC.

The Sports commissioner disclosed that the state government is intentional about youth development, adding that through sports, ICT and other empowerment programmes, opportunities are created for the young people, stressing that the government would continue to identify talents and provide platforms for them to excel.

Former Super Eagles captain and Chairman of Enyimba FC, Nwankwo Kanu, said the tournament was a valuable avenue for talent discovery and youth development.

Kanu praised Hon Ogah for creating opportunities for young footballers, recalling that such platforms were not readily available during his playing days.

“We are here to hunt for talents. If I had this kind of opportunity while growing up, I would probably have achieved even more. It is not easy to organize youths and sustain a competition of this nature. These opportunities can be the beginning of great football careers”, he said.

He advised participants to take the competition seriously and continue working hard to achieve their dreams.

A major highlight of the tournament was the discovery of young football talent Emmanuel Okwuobasi, who featured as a left winger for ABSU/Umuanyi during the third-place match against Ezingodo.

Impressed by his performance, Kanu handed the youngster an automatic signing opportunity with Enyimba FC, providing him with a pathway into professional football.

Addressing the gathering, Hon Ogah reiterated that human capital development remains one of his key priorities as a lawmaker.

He noted that while empowerment programmes such as vehicle distributions, tricycles and sewing machines were important, investing in the potential of young people through sports and talent development offers long-term benefits.

“Football is a serious business globally. If not for this competition, many of these young stars discovered today would not have had the opportunity to showcase their talents. This is part of the mandate the people entrusted to us, and I assure them it will never be wasted”,  Ogah noted.

He urged his constituents to continue supporting Governor Alex Otti and other Labour Party candidates in the 2027 elections so they can record victory, stressing that collective support would accelerate development across the state.

In his remarks, Labour Party’s Abia North Senatorial Candidate, Chief David Ogba Onuoha (Bourdex), described the tournament as a powerful demonstration of unity, noting that football teaches discipline, perseverance and teamwork.

The Chairman of Enyimba Feeders, Kanu Nwankwo, assured participants that the full list of players selected during the competition would be released soon.

He emphasized the importance of giving back to society and creating opportunities for younger generations.

The tournament, which was held at the Isuikwuato Central field, under the theme “Mobilizing Youths and Building the Future”,  featured grassroots mobilization, sensitization, empowerment initiatives and strategic partnerships aimed at fostering youth development across Isuikwuato and Umunneochi Local Government Areas.

At the event, the Face of Umunneochi organization presented an award to Hon. Ogah in recognition of his numerous achievements and contributions to the development of the constituency.

At the end of the competition, Amuda Ward emerged champions and received a cash prize of N2.5 million, while Isiala Ward 3 finished second and received N1.5 million. ABSU/Umuanyi Ward 10 secured third position and was rewarded with N1 million, while Ezingodo Ward finished fourth.

Trophies and cash prizes were later presented to the winning teams amid celebrations by supporters and community leaders who attended the event.