NNL Second Round: Abakaliki FC Coach Calls For Grassroots Talent Hunt, Stakeholders’ Investment In Sports

As Abakaliki FC prepares for the second round of the 2026 Nigeria National League (NNL) season, the club’s Head Coach, Starplus Izuikem Anistar, has called on stakeholders and sports lovers in Ebonyi State to intensify efforts toward grassroots scouting and youth development to discover hidden football talents across the state.

Coach Anistar made the appeal during a familiarisation meeting with the Ebonyi State Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) on Tuesday at the Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium, Abakaliki.

He stressed the need for organised scouting competitions across the 13 Local Government Areas of the state, noting that Ebonyi is blessed with raw talents waiting to be discovered and nurtured. “We must not wait for the state government alone to do this. Sports lovers and wealthy sons and daughters of Ebonyi can sponsor scouting programmes. "If we catch them young and train them to national standards, they will grow into stars and overcome inferiority complex,” he said.

The coach added that many Ebonyi indigenes currently excelling at the national level were discovered through platforms outside the state, emphasizing that proper local investment could transform the state into a major football talent hub. He also commended the Ebonyi State Government, the club’s chairman, and management for providing key resources and support to the team, while noting that additional improvements were still needed to attain world-class standards. According to him, Abakaliki FC has already grown into a national brand after its impressive performance last season, which nearly secured qualification for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) competitions.

Speaking during the visit, Comrade Ndubuisi Nwogha, Chairman of SWAN Ebonyi State Chapter, said the meeting was aimed at strengthening collaboration with the new coaching crew and enhancing media support to project the team positively at national and international levels. He congratulated Coach Anistar on his appointment and commended the team’s impressive outings so far, describing Abakaliki FC as a fast-rising global brand.

Comrade Nwogha also praised Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, for fulfilling campaign promises on sports development, noting that the successes recorded in football and other sporting activities were clear evidence of the administration’s commitment. He assured the team of SWAN’s continued professional support in promoting sports development and creating opportunities for Ebonyi youths to excel through athletics. On their parts, stakeholders including the former Secretary of the Association, Comrade Nnachi Clement, Comrade Moses Nwite and Acting Secretary, Comrade Victor Nwegede thanked the coach for his superlative performance and urged him to maintain the tempo as they proceed to the second round of the season.