Chikelue Iloenyosi, a former Super Eagles defender and now Chairman of Anambra State Football Association, ANSFA, has heaped plaudits on Akubudike Energy and Akubudike Foundation for their strategic partnership deal with Anambra State Football Association, ANSFA, aimed at developing football in the South East State at the grassroot, Exclusivenews.com.ng reports.

Iloenyosi spoke on the sidelines of the opening ceremony of the first official Anambra State Football League at the Awka City Stadium.

The Akubudike Energy/ANSFA League has over 121 Clubs and Football Academies drawn from the 179 communities in the state taking part. Sunday's opening ceremony was marked with pomp and pageantry amidst thrilling atmosphere as all the participating clubs, academies and community teams took part in the ceremonial march past.

'Gen' Iloenyosi, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Akubudike Energy and Akubudike Foundation for the partnership.

"This collaboration aims to revive and rejuvenate football in Anambra State, where the league has not been actively played for over 40 years now", Iloenyosi said.

"The partnership will see Akubudike Energy and Akubudike Foundation work closely with the Anambra State Football Association to develop football infrastructure, provide training, and create opportunities for young athletes. This initiative aligns with the state government's vision for a supportive environment that fosters youth development", he added.

The ANSFA boss further eulogised Akubudike Energy and Foundation's dedication towards making positive impact in Anambra State. 

"Their involvement will undoubtedly bring smiles to the faces of our young people, and we're excited to work together to build a brighter future for them.

"This partnership marks a new era for football in Anambra State and I look forward to seeing the impact of this joint effort on the lives of young people in the state".

Chief Martin Nwabueze,  MD/CEO Akubudike Energy Ltd, who is known as 'Akubudike N' Umudioka' stated that his passion for the game of football and the quest for the growth of the game at the grassroots level was his reason for bankrolling the maiden edition of the Anambra State Football League after many years of inactivity.

Chief Akubudike who was represented by Chief Sunny Anene commended the Anambra State Football Association (ANSFA) under the leadership of Chikelue Iloenyosi for the vision and drive behind the initiative aimed at unearthing hidden football talents at the grassroots level. He charged the various teams to exhibit the spirit of sportsmanship during the course of the competition.

"This is a historic for football development in the state", Iloenyosi said, adding that it was one of the happiest days of his life owing to the partnership with Chief Nwabueze who loves the game of football and has shown interest in human capacity development through sports, especially football.

Iloenyosi reveaed that the competition is a platform to discover football talents in every nook and cranny of the state and bring them to limelight.

Peace FC Awka defeated Ogbaru FC 2-1 in the ceremonial opening match.