The Ebonyi State Government, led by Governor Francis Nwifuru, has approved the establishment of a state female football team as part of efforts to promote sports development and empower young athletes in the state.
The State Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Chidi Onyia, disclosed this during a familiarisation visit by the executive members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ebonyi State Chapter, to his office in Abakaliki.
Onyia said the initiative reflects Governor Nwifuru’s commitment to reviving and expanding sports activities across the state.
He added that the decision follows the recent achievement of Ebonyi-born athlete Gabriel Ogazi, who won gold in the men’s 400 metres at the Glasgow 2026 Games, a feat that placed him at the top of the global rankings in the event.
Beyond sports development, the commissioner revealed that the governor has approved the resumption of stipend payments for members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) posted to Ebonyi State, ending a 10-year suspension of the scheme.
Speaking to state teams and members of the press, Onyia charged Abakaliki FC to secure promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), while urging sports journalists to support grassroots talent identification through fair and professional reporting.
Earlier, SWAN Ebonyi State Chapter Chairman, Ndubuisi Nwogha, congratulated Onyia on his appointment and pledged the association’s continued support in promoting sports and youth development initiatives in the state.
Nwogha also commended Governor Nwifuru’s youth-focused policies, saying they have contributed to reducing crime in the state. He, however, appealed to the government for operational vehicles and logistical assistance to strengthen SWAN’s coverage of sporting activities across Ebonyi.
