The Kelechi Anosike Foundation Abia Champions League, sponsored by the Abia State PDP governorship candidate for the 2027 election, Dr Kelechi Anosike, has commenced with a promise to use sports to engage youths and help address unemployment.

The inter-local government football tournament kicked off on Sunday at Williams Memorial Secondary School, Afugiri Ohuhu, in Umuahia North Local Government Area.

The opening fixture between Umuahia North and Umuahia South ended in a 1-1 draw after a closely contested encounter.

Umuahia South took the lead within the opening two minutes, but Umuahia North, despite dominating possession with an estimated 80 per cent, secured an equaliser in the final two minutes of added time.

Speaking to journalists after performing the ceremonial kick-off, Anosike said the competition was created to identify emerging football talents from across the state.

“For me, it is a very interesting and engaging football competition. It is the first of its kind and we have seen stars,” he said.

He explained that the tournament brings together the 17 local government areas in the state in a bid to identify players with the potential to excel.

“This is the Kelechi Anosike Foundation Abia State Champions League. Seventeen Local Government Areas, one league and one champion. So this is where stars are born. We have witnessed some and we have picked some stars already and, with time, we will engage them further,” Anosike stated.

The competition is divided into four groups covering the 17 LGAs, with organisers seeking to identify outstanding players whose abilities can be further developed.

Anosike said the tournament was also part of a broader plan to establish a Sports and Football Academy in Abia if he is elected governor in 2027.

“This is what we promised Abians: Sports and Football Academy, to engage the youths and bring out the best in them,” he said.

According to him, the proposed academy would provide young footballers and other athletes with structured training, mentorship and exposure, creating a pathway from grassroots sports to professional and international opportunities.

He added that engaging young people through sports could help discover talents, keep youths productive and reduce restiveness, while also positioning Abia as a sports development hub in the South-East.

Anosike commended the players who featured in the opening match and said subsequent fixtures would attract greater attention, with scouts and coaches expected to monitor players' performances.

Dignitaries, community leaders and football enthusiasts attended the opening ceremony of the tournament, which organisers said would become an annual competition aimed at bringing the state's 17 LGAs together through football.

The KAF Abia Champions League is expected to run for several weeks before a grand finale where the overall winner will be crowned “One Champion” of Abia State.