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Grassroots Glory: Akabo United FC Lighting the Path for Youth

In the heart of Ikeduru LGA, Imo State, a quiet revolution in grassroots football is taking shape — and its name is Akabo United Football Club. Established in 2018, this modest but determined club is fast becoming a lifeline for young talents and a symbol of hope for community-driven sports development.

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During an interactive session with the Imo State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), held at the club’s training ground in Akabo Community Primary School, the vision behind Akabo United was laid bare. Founder and Head Coach, Mr. Arikibe Darlington Onyekachi, traced the club’s humble beginnings and journey through the highs and lows of grassroots football. “It hasn’t been easy,” he said, “but we remain committed to giving young players a platform. Despite limited funding, we’ve pushed on.”

Since its inception, the club has featured in the 2023 Imo State League and taken part in tournaments outside the state, all aimed at providing its players with the exposure they need to grow. The result? A few have already attracted attention from bigger clubs, and one standout talent has earned a call-up to the national U15 team.

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Adding a global dimension to the club’s aspirations is Ms. Sinervo Nicol Tina, a Finnish expatriate and Vice President of Akabo United. Passionate about youth empowerment, she described the club as “a project built on purpose.” Tina revealed that plans are underway to establish a football academy in Akabo and form strategic partnerships with sports development agencies in Finland. Beyond football, her mission is broader: to ensure that youths in the community are not only athletically developed but also socially and economically equipped for the future.

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Akabo United FC currently trains daily on the school’s open field, guided by a shared dream and relentless determination. And while the pitch may be humble, the ambition is anything but. For this club, the future is not just about goals scored, but lives transformed.

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