By Sports Recorder |Solomon OKPO
UYO, The countdown to Akwa Ibom’s most anticipated grassroots football contest officially began today as the draws for the 2025 Akwa Ibom State Football League were conducted, unveiling groupings that promise a feast of local football excellence and fierce competition.
Sixteen clubs, brimming with ambition and youthful talent, have been grouped into four pools as they vie not only for the coveted State League title but also for qualification into the Nationwide League (NLO) playoffs. The league, which serves as a gateway to national recognition, is scheduled to commence on Friday, July 11, 2025, with all fixtures slated for the Uyo Township Stadium.
Group Stage Composition:
Group A: Eagle Eyes Academy, 7th Wonders Academy, Metro FC, Royal Prince FC
Group B: Blackpool Academy, Jubilee FC, Murphy FC, Gilgal FC
Group C: Immortality FC, Okon Eket FC, Palm Tigers, Dynamic Stars FC
Group D: VIFA, Full Life FC, Pillars Sport FC, Pillars Investors FC
A total of 27 matches will be played, including the group stage and the Super Four playoffs, where the top team from each group will clash to determine the State Champion.
In addition to the trophy, pride, and prestige, the top two teams emerging from this competition will earn the right to represent Akwa Ibom State in the NLO Promotion Playoffs, with the submission deadline set for July 31, 2025.
The participating clubs include a mix of established grassroots powerhouses and emerging contenders:
Full List of Teams:
Okon Eket FC, Pillars Sport FC, Pillars Investors FC, 7th Wonders Academy, Gilgal FC, Royal Prince FC, Jubilee FC, Metro FC, Eagle Eyes Academy, VIFA, Murphy FC, Immortality FC, Full Life FC, Blackpool Academy, Palm Tigers, and Dynamic Stars FC.
The Akwa Ibom Football Association has assured fans and stakeholders of a professionally organized tournament that will not only showcase talent but also deepen the development pipeline of local football.
As anticipation builds, football lovers across the state are expected to throng the Uyo Township Stadium, eager to witness the birth of new stars and a battle for glory that only grassroots football can offer.
