AWKA/Nigeria: The Anambra State Government has officially announced the commencement of the inaugural ‘Solution Community Shield’ inter-community football tournament, scheduled to kick off on October 8, 2023. This groundbreaking sporting event will see participation from all 179 communities within the state, promoting unity and talent scouting at the grassroots level.
Co-organized by key entities including the Anambra State Sports Development Commission, Anambra State Football Association, Anambra State Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Community Affairs, as well as the Anambra State Association of Town Unions, this tournament aims to harness local football talent and foster community cohesion.
In a press conference held in Awka, Patrick-Estate Onyedum, Chairman of the Anambra State Sports Development Commission, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming competition. He explained that the ‘Solution Community Shield’ would provide a platform for communities to showcase their football prowess, with winning teams earning the opportunity to advance from the local government level to the state level.
Onyedum emphasized the tournament’s dual purpose, stating, “The aim is to encourage the children and youths in our communities to get actively involved in sports and keep fit, as well as get the opportunity to hunt for talents for the Solution Football Club. It is also a way to promote peaceful coexistence among our communities which is one of the agendas of the Gov. Chukwuma Soludo’s administration.”
The Chairman also unveiled the impressive prize money for the top-performing teams, with winners, runners-up, and third-place finishers receiving N2 million, N1 million, and N500,000, respectively. Additionally, special prizes will be awarded to other outstanding participants.
Titus Akpudo, National President of the Association of Town Unions, highlighted the significance of community involvement in the tournament, stating, “Without the communities, the local and state governments cannot function optimally. So, this football tournament is a way to drive unity and development in our communities.”
He further urged communities to sponsor and support their youths and children’s participation, emphasizing the potential for talent scouts to discover promising players who could represent both the state and the nation in various football competitions.
Chikelue Iloenyosi, a former Nigeria international and the current Chairman of the Anambra State Football Association, underscored the tournament’s transformative impact. He declared, “Anambra has a lot of talents, and we encourage them to take advantage of this tournament to showcase their skills. It will also help the development of grassroots football.”
Iloenyosi envisages the tournament as a catalyst to position Anambra as a football hub in Nigeria and as a breeding ground for young talents destined to make their mark in national and international football arenas.
With the ‘Solution Community Shield’ set to unite communities, promote sports participation, and uncover hidden football gems, Anambra State looks forward to a future of sporting success and community development. The tournament promises to be an exciting event for football enthusiasts and a stepping stone for budding football stars across the state.
