The Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Football Association, Mr Samuel Umoh, was present at the opening ceremony of the AfriSportPro Youth League in Uyo on Monday, 18 August 2025.
The opening game, played at the Uyo Township Stadium, saw Artisan Football Academy face Willnam-Pro Football Academy. Mr Umoh exchanged pleasantries with both teams and match officials before kick-off, marking a colourful start to the competition.
The Akwa Ibom FA Chairman, who only days ago received award from the Nasarawa State Government in recognition of his contributions to grassroots and youth football in the state and the country, was visibly elated to witness the kickoff of the AfriSportPro Youth League, an initiative that seeks to build a world-class youth football league across Africa.
Speaking ahead of the match, Mr Umoh praised the organisers for bringing the initiative to Akwa Ibom. He said:
“The Football Association has always been open to grassroots development programmes such as the AfriSportPro Youth League, so I am delighted to be here to grace the opening. I wish all twelve teams the very best and urge the players to shun indiscipline, promote sportsmanship, and show their best qualities on and off the pitch.”
The AfriSportPro Youth League in Uyo will run until November 2025, with twelve teams competing in the Akwa Ibom Conference. It is one of the centres across Nigeria designed to showcase young football talents.
The twelve teams are: Artisan FA, Willnam-Pro FC, Vifa Academy, Blackpool FA, Blessed Stars, Pillar Sports FA, Nichin FA, Blessed Talent FC, De Ark Academy, Immortality FC, Full Life Academy and Krane FC.
Fixtures on opening day featured three matches: Artisan FA vs Willnam-Pro FC, Vifa Academy vs Blackpool FA, and Blessed Stars vs Pillar Sports FA. Matches continue on Tuesday with Nichin FA facing Blessed Talent FC, De Ark Academy meeting Immortality FC, and Full Life Academy up against Krane FC.
According to the organisers, AfriSportPro aims to connect emerging African footballers with scouts, talent managers and international clubs. The platform’s mission is to build a world-class youth football league across Africa, helping the next generation of players reach their full potential on the global stage.
The Uyo Conference is expected to provide thrilling football action, with scouts closely following as the search for new stars begins.