The management of Nationwide League One (NLO) side, De Gamechanger Football Club, has expressed optimism that Anambra State will soon emerge as a national model for grassroots football development under the Chikelue Iloenyosi-led State Football Association.
Speaking in Awka on Tuesday, the club’s Executive Chairman, Obi Emeka Chukwudi, commended the pace at which grassroots football has grown in the state over the past two years.
According to him, grassroots football remains central to the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) vision of harnessing local talent to create jobs and wealth for the youth.
He lamented, however, that many subnational governments still neglect the area.
“No matter the resources invested in professional football, without deliberate efforts to build the amateur leagues that feed them, those investments will amount to little,” Obi cautioned.
He praised the Anambra FA under Iloenyosi for organizing grassroots competitions that have unearthed hidden talents and provided amateur clubs with exposure to scouts from within and outside the country.
“I read many negative things online about the current FA administration in Anambra and I shudder.
Anambra football never had it this good
He said, “The truth is that football in this state has not had it this good for a very long time,” Obi said.
He highlighted the FA’s achievements, including: attracting the National FA Cup matches to the state, hosting the Under-17 scouting games led by national U-17 coach, Manu Garba.
Others are facilitating the hosting of the NLO One Southeast games, as well as several NPFL and NNL matches as well as supporting individuals and partners to organize annual grassroots competitions and the All Stars Tournament for players above 40, which he said provides both recreation for fans and business opportunities for locals.
Obi further observed that Iloenyosi’s background as a former Nigerian international has given him the insight to guide amateur clubs in developing stronger structures and accessing critical support.
“With his wealth of experience in the football business, Iloenyosi has shown that, if properly managed, football can contribute significantly to the economy of a state,” he added.
Obi, who is also the Anambra State Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), urged state governments across the country to understudy and replicate Anambra’s grassroots football model.
“This is the way to ensure no state is left behind in Nigeria’s collective effort to make football a viable income earner for youths,” he stressed.
He passed a vote of confidence on the Anambra FA chairman, calling for the continued support of all football stakeholders to sustain the momentum and drive further growth.
