Abia Warriors’ acting chairman, Innocent Oweh, has unveiled plans to breathe new life into the club’s youth and academy teams, aiming to make them more vibrant and competitive. Oweh made this announcement during a meeting with the technical crew and backroom staff at the club’s secretariat in Umuahia, which was subsequently shared on the official Abia Warriors Twitter handle.
Recognizing the vital role played by the youth team in Abia Warriors’ promotion to the Premiership in 2014, Oweh expressed his desire to restore the teams to their former glory. His vision encompasses their participation in the upcoming Nationwide League Division 1 next season, as well as the esteemed NPFL LaLiga U-15 tournament.
During the meeting, Oweh commended the coaches for their dedication to youth development and encouraged them to actively search for talented footballers within the local communities. By exploring the surrounding areas, the club aims to unearth hidden gems and nurture their talent within the ranks of Abia Warriors.
In his detailed plans, Oweh revealed that the youth team programs are scheduled to commence in the first week of July, signaling a proactive approach to rebuilding and rejuvenating the club’s lower divisions. This move not only emphasizes the club’s commitment to long-term sustainability but also underlines the importance of nurturing young talent and providing them with opportunities to thrive.
Abia Warriors’ performance in the previous season was commendable, securing a respectable fourth place in the NPFL Group B standings with 27 points from 18 games. Now, with the imminent reactivation of the youth and academy teams, the club aims to bolster its squad with promising talents, potentially strengthening their position in future seasons.
The initiative spearheaded by Innocent Oweh highlights the club’s dedication to youth development and its ambition to foster a strong footballing foundation. By focusing on the grassroots level, Abia Warriors aims to not only secure a prosperous future but also contribute to the growth of Nigerian football as a whole. Fans and supporters eagerly anticipate the reinvigorated youth and academy teams taking the field and making their mark in the upcoming seasons.