NEWS
Abia Sports Records Major Breakthrough as Six Young Footballers Earn European Opportunities, Volleyball Team Returns to Premier League After 23 Years
Abia State has continued to make remarkable strides in the development of sports, with fresh achievements underscoring the state’s growing investment in youth talent, grassroots sports development and competitive excellence.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed that the Abia State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, in partnership with Dreamland Football Academy, recently organized the second edition of the Abia State Dreamland Under-19 Cup Tournament, an initiative designed to discover and nurture young football talents across the state.
The tournament yielded remarkable results as six outstanding young footballers were identified and successfully scouted by foreign football partners, opening the door for them to pursue professional football careers in Europe. The development represents another significant milestone in the state’s commitment to creating global opportunities for talented youths through sports.
Prince Kanu made the disclosure on Monday, July 13, 2026, at Government House, Umuahia, while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting presided over by State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti.
In another major achievement, the Commissioner announced the successful return of the Abia State Volleyball Team to the Nigerian Volleyball Premier League after spending 23 years outside the top-flight competition following relegation. The team has already made an impressive statement in its comeback campaign with a commendable performance during the first phase of the league held in Abuja.
He added that preparations are already in top gear as the team intensifies training ahead of the second phase of the Nigerian Volleyball Premier League, which is scheduled to take place in Lagos, with expectations high that the team will build on its strong start.
Prince Kanu also highlighted another historic accomplishment in women’s football, revealing that Abia Angels Football Club has qualified for the Nigerian Women’s Football League Super Six for the first time since the club’s establishment.
He described the qualification as a landmark achievement for women’s football in Abia State, noting that the feat reflects the ongoing transformation of the sports sector under the present administration. He further disclosed that the club is currently being strengthened through strategic preparations and reinforcement ahead of the 2026/2027 Nigerian Women’s Football League season.
The latest achievements across football and volleyball further reinforce Abia State’s determination to reposition sports as a platform for youth empowerment, talent development and international exposure, while consolidating the state’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s emerging sporting powerhouses.