Ebonyi State Government has approved the establishment of a female football team as part of efforts to strengthen sports development, promote grassroots talent and create more opportunities for young athletes across the state.
The Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Chidi Onyia, disclosed this during a familiarisation visit by the executive members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ebonyi State Chapter, to his office in Abakaliki.
Onyia said the initiative was approved by Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru as part of the administration’s drive to revive sports and expand opportunities for talented youths.
According to the commissioner, the decision comes amid growing recognition of Ebonyi athletes, particularly following the outstanding performance of Ebonyi-born athlete Gabriel Ogazi, who recently won gold in the men’s 400 metres and currently ranks number one globally in the event.
Onyia also revealed that Governor Nwifuru had approved the payment of stipends to National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members serving in Ebonyi State.
He described the development as a significant intervention, noting that NYSC members in the state had gone for more than a decade without receiving such support from the state government.
The commissioner further challenged Abakaliki FC to secure promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), stressing the need for Ebonyi to make greater strides in football.
He also called on sports journalists in the state to continue promoting sports through accurate, balanced and professional reporting while helping to identify and promote grassroots sporting talents.
Earlier, the Chairman of SWAN, Ebonyi State Chapter, Ndubuisi Nwogha, congratulated Onyia on his appointment and pledged the association’s support for initiatives aimed at advancing sports in the state.
Nwogha commended the Nwifuru administration for what he described as youth- and sports-oriented policies, saying such programmes could contribute to reducing crime and improving opportunities for young people.
He, however, appealed to the state government to provide SWAN with mobility and other operational support to enable the association to effectively carry out its activities.
Meanwhile, the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Abakaliki Local Government Area, has announced plans for the 2026 Abakaliki Unity Games and Inter-School Sports Championship.
The organisers are targeting more than 3,000 student-athletes from private schools across Ebonyi State for the competition, which is designed to promote grassroots sports development and discover emerging talents.
The Chairman of the NAPPS Sports Committee for the Abakaliki Unity Games, Peter Uchechukwu, made the disclosure during a press conference in Abakaliki.
The championship, themed “Uniting Schools, Discovering Champions, Building the Future,” is being organised by NAPPS Abakaliki LGA in partnership with the Ebonyi Premier League Football Association.
Uchechukwu said the competition would provide young athletes with a structured platform to develop their sporting abilities while promoting discipline, teamwork, leadership and healthy competition.
He added that outstanding athletes could gain opportunities to represent Ebonyi State and Nigeria at national and international competitions.
The 2026 NAPPS Unity Games will feature several sporting events, including football, athletics, basketball and volleyball, alongside indoor games and other activities.
According to Uchechukwu, the championship is also designed as a youth empowerment initiative that could open doors to educational, professional and economic opportunities for participants.
He noted that many talented Nigerian children lack the platforms and resources needed to develop and showcase their sporting abilities.
To address this gap, the organisers plan to incorporate talent identification, certified coaching and officiating, mentorship, scholarship opportunities and international scouting into the championship.
The initiative is also expected to promote school attendance, academic performance, positive social behaviour, youth employment and sports tourism while encouraging investment in Ebonyi’s sports sector.
The organisers expect participation from more than 50 private schools, with over 3,000 student-athletes, approximately 10,000 parents and spectators, and about 500 teachers and coaches expected to be involved.
Government representatives, corporate organisations, media houses, sports scouts and international partners are also expected to participate.
Activities planned for the championship include a grand opening ceremony, march past, athletics, football, basketball, volleyball, indoor games, cultural displays, talent showcases, award presentations and a closing ceremony.
Uchechukwu said the competition was established in honour of the legacy of Dr. P.C.O. Okoh, whom he credited with significant contributions to education and youth development.
He said the initiative was designed to help build stronger schools and healthier communities while producing athletes capable of representing Ebonyi and Nigeria on the international stage.
The NAPPS official appealed to corporate organisations, philanthropists and development partners to support the competition, describing sponsorship as an investment in the future of Nigerian youths.
He said sponsors would benefit from extensive visibility across television, radio, newspapers, digital platforms and social media, as well as stadium branding and direct engagement with students, parents, teachers, school proprietors, government officials and community leaders.
According to Uchechukwu, sponsorship funds will support the provision of sports equipment, student welfare, professional officiating, security, medical services, talent scouting, media production and international exposure for outstanding athletes.
The organisers disclosed that the media launch for the championship took place on July 5, 2026, while the official flag-off is scheduled for September 19, 2026.
Regional competitions are expected to hold between September and October, with the grand finale scheduled for October 12, 2026.
Uchechukwu urged government agencies, businesses, development organisations and other stakeholders to partner with the organisers to ensure the success of the championship.
He said the collaboration would help create sustainable pathways for young athletes and unlock the sporting potential of students across Ebonyi State.
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