As Abakaliki FC prepares for the second round of the 2026 Nigeria National League (NNL) season, the club’s Head Coach, Starplus Izuikem Anistar, has urged stakeholders and sports enthusiasts in Ebonyi State to intensify grassroots scouting across all 13 Local Government Areas (LGAs) to uncover hidden football talents.
Coach Anistar made the call during a familiarisation meeting with the Ebonyi State Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) on Tuesday at the Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium, Abakaliki.
He emphasized that Ebonyi State is blessed with abundant raw football talent, but the lack of organized scouting platforms has hindered the discovery and development of these young players.
“We must not wait for the state government alone to do this. Sports lovers and wealthy sons and daughters of Ebonyi can sponsor scouting programmes.
“If we catch them young and train them to national standards, they will grow into stars and overcome inferiority complex," the coach said.
Anistar noted that many Ebonyi indigenes currently excelling at national level were discovered through platforms outside the state.
He therefore called for a structured scouting system that will help identify talents early and nurture them to compete at the highest levels.
The coach also commended the state government, the club’s chairman, and management for the support and resources provided to the team, but stressed that more investment is needed to attain world-class standards.
“Abakaliki FC has already grown into a national brand after its impressive performance last season, which nearly secured qualification for the CAF competitions,” he added.
During the visit, Comrade Ndubuisi Nwogha, Chairman of SWAN Ebonyi State Chapter, said the meeting was meant to strengthen collaboration with the new coaching crew and enhance media support for the club.
He congratulated Coach Anistar on his appointment and described Abakaliki FC as a fast-rising global brand, adding that SWAN would continue to promote the team at national and international levels.
Nwogha also praised Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, for fulfilling campaign promises on sports development, noting that the success in football and other sports is evidence of the administration’s commitment.
Ebonyi SWAN stakeholders, including the Acting Secretary Comrade Victor Nwegede, former Secretary Comrade Nnachi Clement, and Comrade Moses Nwite, among others thanked the coach for his impressive performance and urged him to maintain the tempo as the team heads into the second round of the NNL season.
