The Chairman of the Anambra State Football Association (ANSFA), Chikelue Iloenyosi, held a strategic meeting with influential football administrator and lawmaker Manuel Nascimento on March 17, 2026, in a move aimed at transforming grassroots football development in the state.
The high-profile meeting took place on the sidelines of Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s second-term inauguration, bringing together two experienced figures in football governance and policy.
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At the heart of the discussions was a bold plan to revamp grassroots football, with focus on youth development, sustainable funding, competitions, and modern infrastructure. Both parties explored ways to align Anambra’s football system with international standards while unlocking opportunities for young talents.
Iloenyosi made it clear that building from the grassroots remains central to his vision.
“We must invest in youth competitions, coaching education, and facilities if we want to build a strong football future,” he said.
Nascimento, a Deputy Member of Parliament in Guinea-Bissau and member of the ECOWAS Parliament, backed the initiative, stressing that grassroots investment is the foundation of football success.
“When properly funded and managed, grassroots football empowers youth, promotes unity, and creates economic opportunities,” he noted.
The meeting is seen as a major step in strengthening sports diplomacy, with Anambra FA tapping into international expertise to accelerate football development.
With plans now taking shape, the collaboration signals an ambitious push to transform Anambra into a breeding ground for future football stars, as stakeholders look to turn vision into action.
