Organisers of the inaugural edition of the Kanu Nwankwo U19 Interstate Football Tournament have confirmed increase in the number of participating teams in the tournament to 16.

Previously, eight (8) teams from Abia and its sister state, Imo, were on the card for the youth soccer showpiece aimed at discovering, developing and empowering budding talents from the two states.

Now, the local organising Committee of the grassroot talent hunt have revealed they have responded to the clarion call and the desire of many clubs to be part of the maiden edition of Kanu Nwankwo U-19 Inter State Football Competition, by increasing the number of the participating clubs by 100%.

Sunny Ogbeka, member of the Local Organising Committee, LOC,  hinted that the two cities hosting the two groups will now have at least 8 teams totalling 16 teams.

Ogbeka revealed that the decision was taken in response to the unflinching desire of teams to be part of the competition which they couldn’t resist to encourage the discovery, development  and empowerment of talented youths who are seeking greener pastures.

He further stated that the development entails that the fixtures will soon be updated to reflect the inclusion of the new teams and the changes of the games.

“We have considered the unanimous request and clamour to include the interested teams hence the little adjustment.

“These is indeed the essence of the Competition which is powered by the Sporting Director of Enyimba FC to help discover the next generation of talented players who will in the near future become super stars.

“We have directed the LOC’s in the two cities to include 6 more teams for all inclusive participation and this means the kick off will commence on Saturday with morning and evening sessions.

The tournament is expected to attract most of the Super Eagles players class of 94” World Cup team mates of Kanu Nwankwo as well as the Atlanta 96′ Olympic gold medal winning team such as Victor Ikpeba, Tijani Babangida, Daniel Amokachi, Uche Okechukwu, Augustine Eguavoen and a host of FIFA football scouts.