NEWS
ABA NORTH SHINES AS URATTA WARD 6 EMERGES CHAMPION IN THRILLING ABIA SOCCER FEST 2025 FINALS
…as Grassroots Football Talent Takes Centre Stage at Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba
Aba North Local Government Area came alive on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, as football lovers, community stakeholders and government officials gathered at the Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic soccer field for the grand finale of the Abia Soccer Fest (ASF) 2025, an exciting grassroots tournament themed From Grassroots to Greatness!
The prestigious competition, which began in August 2025, featured teams across all wards in Abia State, giving young footballers a platform to showcase their skills, build unity, and gain exposure at the community level.
The highly anticipated final match saw Uratta Ward 6 face off against Umuola Ward 8 in a contest that kept fans at the edge of their seats. Representing the Executive Chairman of Aba North, the Deputy Chairman, Hon. Christian Chijioke Ogbuisi, performed the ceremonial kick-off, officially launching the much-awaited encounter.
Both teams demonstrated impressive tactical discipline and athleticism in a tense first half that ended goalless despite several close attempts. The second half produced more drama as Umuola Ward 8 broke the deadlock just 10 minutes in.
Uratta Ward 6, however, fought back fiercely, equalizing in the 25th minute into the second half to bring the scoreboard to 1–1.
With no further goals at full time, the match headed into penalties. Uratta Ward 6 showed remarkable composure, scoring four out of their five attempts, while Umuola Ward 8 managed only two. The shootout ended 4–2, crowning Uratta Ward 6 the champions of Aba North.
The Executive Chairman of Aba North LGA, Hon. Timothy Kalu Iheke, later joined the event and addressed the teams and spectators. He expressed satisfaction with the peaceful and well-organized nature of the competition across all 12 wards, describing the day as “a good day for Aba North.”
He thanked God for the success of the tournament and appreciated the players’ discipline and unity throughout the competition.
The Chairman also applauded Governor Alex Otti for initiating a tournament that not only fosters unity but also empowers young people and keeps them positively engaged.
He noted that Aba North had not witnessed such a competition in many years, adding that the ASF has helped many residents reconnect with their wards, strengthen political identity, and build community pride.
Encouraging the victorious team, he reminded them that they are now representing the entire Aba North Local Government and not just Uratta Ward 6. He urged them to maintain their momentum as they advance to the state-level championship, assuring them that “Aba North does not carry last.”
He also emphasized that the competition serves as a scouting ground to identify talents who can be projected to national and international football platforms.
A representative of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs commended the commitment of Aba North, noting that the Abia Soccer Fest provides a vital opportunity for talent discovery. He emphasized that the competition is not merely an event but a strategic pipeline for exporting grassroots football talent to national and international clubs.
The event was attended by an impressive lineup of dignitaries, including members of the Aba North Legislative Council, led by Rt. Hon. Nnamdi Sunday; the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Chairman, Hon. Onyekachi Okoroafor; Supervisory Councillors; Government appointees and aides; students of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic; stakeholders and sports enthusiasts across the LGA
The 2025 Abia Soccer Fest finals not only reaffirmed the strength of grassroots sports in Aba North but also highlighted the renewed spirit of unity, youth engagement, and community development under the current administration.
Uratta Ward 6 now carries the hopes of Aba North as they advance to the state championship with the backing of a proud and determined local government.
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