NFF President Hails Gov. Alex Otti, Declares Abia the ‘Home of Football’ in Nigeria

The President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, has lauded Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, for his unwavering commitment to sports development, describing Abia as “the home of football in Nigeria.”

Speaking during a courtesy visit to Governor Otti at his country home in Nvosi, Isialangwa South Local Government Area, Gusau praised the state’s rich football history, noting that Abia has produced landmark achievements, including back-to-back African continental titles.

“The history of sports in Nigeria cannot be complete without a mention of Abia State,” Gusau remarked.

He highlighted the remarkable growth of Abia Warriors FC under Governor Otti’s administration, recognizing the club as “one of the top three clubs in Nigeria.” The NFF President also called for the rehabilitation of the Umuahia Township Stadium and pledged the federation’s technical support to ensure the facility meets international standards.

In his response, Governor Otti reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to sports, promising to sustain Abia’s leading role in Nigerian and African football.

“Sports development will remain one of my topmost priorities to ensure Abia remains a major player in sporting activities at the continental and global levels,” the governor stated.

Governor Otti revealed that work will soon begin on the upgrade of the Umuahia Township Stadium as a short-term solution, while unveiling ambitious plans for a Stadium City project in Umuahia.

“I have already approved the upgrade of the Umuahia Township Stadium to make it what a stadium should look like. That’s our immediate intervention,” he explained.

“But we also have a long-term solution – the Abia Stadium City. The land has been acquired, designs are ongoing, and it will be a complex with an entertainment village, plazas, a conference center, and residential apartments.”

Governor Otti described football and sports in general as a “uniting factor”, stressing that good governance is about positively impacting the lives of the people.

He thanked the NFF for its support and assured that Abia would continue to back the federation’s initiatives. The governor also used the occasion to congratulate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the recent achievements of the Super Falcons, noting their performance as a source of pride for Nigeria.

The visit was attended by key stakeholders, including Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development; John Obuh, Chairman of Abia Warriors FC; and other prominent figures in the state’s sporting community.