Mayor of Umunneochi Local Government Area, Chief Sunny Afurobi, has pledged greater support for sports development and youth empowerment in the area as part of efforts to identify, nurture and promote talented young people.
The Mayor made the pledge while receiving players and officials of Amuda Logu Football Club (FC), winners of the 2026 Agunecheibe Football Tournament, at the Umunneochi Local Government Headquarters, Nkwoagu, where the victorious team presented their trophy to him amid celebrations.
Speaking during the reception, Chief Afurobi announced plans by his administration to organise secondary school games and an autonomous communities’ football competition across Umunneochi as part of a broader talent development agenda, adding that the initiative would provide opportunities to discover and develop young football talents who could go on to excel at higher levels of the game.
The Mayor directed stakeholders and sports enthusiasts to begin articulating proposals for the competitions, stressing that grassroots sporting events would help expose talented youths and create pathways for their growth.
Congratulating Amuda Logu FC on their triumph, Chief Afurobi described the players and management team as worthy ambassadors of Umunneochi and commended their discipline, determination, resilience and focus, noting that these qualities contributed significantly to their success in the tournament.
He also praised the sponsor of the competition, Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah, Member representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency, for using sports as a platform to engage and empower young people across the constituency.
According to the Mayor, the emergence of several players from the tournament for trials with Enyimba International FC underscores the importance of sustained investment in youth-focused sporting initiatives.
Chief Afurobi further highlighted the commitment of both the local and state governments to youth development and cited Governor Alex Otti’s TechRise programme, which has trained and empowered thousands of youths across Abia State, as well as other initiatives designed to encourage innovation, self-reliance and economic empowerment.
He also referenced the proposed Umunneochi Nollywood Programme, aimed at exposing talented young people from the area to opportunities in the creative industry, and urged youths to take advantage of government programmes tailored to their development.
Earlier, the coach of Amuda Logu FC, Mr Increase Obum, presented the tournament trophy to the Mayor, explaining that the team had come to fulfil a promise made before the competition to dedicate the trophy to the local government leadership upon winning the tournament.
According to him, the pledge was conveyed through the Councillor representing Amuda Ward, Hon. David Mba, and was intended to appreciate the Mayor for his encouragement and support for youth-centred initiatives in Umunneochi.
Mr Obum described Chief Afurobi as a football-loving and youth-friendly leader whose goodwill messages and encouragement before the final match inspired the team to victory, and also expressed gratitude to Hon. Ogah for sponsoring the tournament and creating opportunities for young footballers to showcase their talents.
In his vote of thanks, Hon. David Mba congratulated the players on their outstanding achievement and appreciated the Mayor for his support, including a financial donation to the team following their victory. He wished the Mayor continued success in his administration.
Amuda Logu FC emerged champions of the 2026 Agunecheibe Football Tournament after defeating Isiala Ward 3 FC 2–1 in the final to claim the ₦2.5 million first prize. Isiala Ward 3 FC received ₦1.5 million as runners-up, while Umuanyi Ward secured third place and won ₦1 million after overcoming Ezi Ngodo Ward.
The reception culminated in a festive atmosphere as supporters and community members entertained guests with traditional dances and energetic acrobatic performances popularly known as “Ida Iya,” celebrating the club’s historic victory and the growing prospects for sports development in Umunneochi.
