Chikelue Iloenyosi, a former Super Eagles defender and Chairman of Anambra State Football Association, ANSFA, has reminded clubs taking part in the Anambra State Football League that the competition is aimed at fostering peace in the state and essentially pulling youths out of crime and trouble as the policy of the government of the state under His Excellency, Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo stipulates, Exclusivenews.com.ng reports.

Iloenyosi, who is affectionately called 'Capacity Chairman', spoke on the sidelines of the league's draws ceremony held at the new ANSFA Secretariat, Awka, on Wednesday, 17 September, 2025.

"I was so happy when the Secretary was explaining the rules and regulations of the competition to all the officials of the participating teams", Iloenyosi, who is also called 'De General' began. 

"This is because Anambra State is a very 'strong' place. If not, some critics will begin to write petitions and all that. I believe you heard him loud and clear, even now that the competition has yet to kick off. 

"You even have the opportunity of going home with the copy of the rules and regulations so you can read and assimilate them before the start of the league. 

"This tournament is geared towards breeding and stimulating peace in Anambra State. We want this tournament played under a peaceful atmosphere, such that people can come, even with their families, to enjoy the matches at the various stadia or match venues. 

"At the same time, we've our team of selectors picking the very best players during the matches. This is aimed at selecting the best players to get a team that can represent the State amongst various other things that we would want to do. I wish every team the best of luck as I declare this draw ceremony open".

24 teams logged into four groups of six teams each will take part in the league, being sponsored by Akubudike Energy/Foundation.

The league will kick off on 21 September, 2025 with a star match yet to be decided by the organisers.

The league, according the Anambra State Football Association Secretary, Ralph Nweke, will be played on round robbin at the group stage with the two top finishers in each group qualifying for the quarter finals that will be decided on knock out basis.

Overall winners of the league will receive N2m cash price while the runners-up will take home N1m. The third place winning team will pocket N500, 000 just as the fourth placed team will receive N200, 000 compensation.

According to the organisers, there would be individual awards with the Highest Goal Scorer, Best Goalkeeper and Best Behaved Team receiving N50, 000 each.

Responding to questions about his feelings after the thrilling draws, Iloenyosi said he was delighted as the ANSFA boss to midwife the first Anambra State Football League in more than three decades.

"I'm very, very happy for the opportunity to serve in Anambra State in the capacity of FA Chairman. I'm greatly delighted with the (state) league that's about to kick off after about three decades with this successful draws today. 

"First and foremost, I want to thank His Excellency, Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo, the Executive Governor of Anambra State, for this wonderful opportunity. Whatever we're doing here in the sports sector, particularly football, is all about toeing the path as to what the Governor wants us to do. 

"We've to key in to his policy so as to make sure that our kids are pulled out of trouble; to ensure that our youths are out of crime and that's why we're striving to provide the enabling environment in the state through football so that our youths can use their God-given talents to become better citizens and provide a better future for themselves and their families. 

"Again, I want to thank, most sincerely, the Akubudike Energy/Foundation who have most graciously agreed to sponsor us at this level of football. We can't thank them enough because I so much appreciate the CEO, Ichie Jim Martins Nwabueze, (Akubudike N' Umudioka),  for all that he's been doing to make sure that our youths are taken out of trouble.

"We're also happy with the football stakeholders in the state, regardless of all rumours, gang-ups and gossips. We're focused on our mission and can't be distracted. We're focused about the development of football in our dear Anambra State. 

"We stand to ensure that football in the state runs in line with the NFF, CAF and FIFA Status and regulations. We want to ensure that we support whatever the state government wants to do to see that our youths stayed out of social vices", Iloenyosi concluded.