The Director of Doxa Sports and Retired Referee, Rev. Fr. Obinna Dike, has disclosed that the brain behind the Anambra Independent Football League (AIFL) is to raise players from grassroots to Professionals.
He said the vision is to have a replica of what is obtainable in the major leagues, noting that teams from other states have indicated interest to partake in the project.
He said: “The vision came about replicating where we have the best of football in Europe, Asia and across the world here at the grassroots because football serve two purposes – fixing the local content for entertainment and also raises the platform for career football. That’s exactly the vision we have Anambra Independent Football.
“We are all clasees of people, those who are still learning at the primary and secondary schools, professionals and amateur sides can come together and see that thing the wish to see in future. They have what we call a microcosm project about that in the league.
“We wanted the calender where we have the best of football around the world. Players that are been trained for that will use the platform to spur themselves to greater heights. That’s the vision from grassroots onto professionalism.
“Teams from Imo, Enugu and Kogi States have indicated interest to join. We are in season six that will serve as a model to others. We are trying to take it to a bigger level despite our limitations.”
Rev. Fr. Dike who doubles as the Chairman Anambra State Football Electoral Commission, added that over 27 players have moved to other leagues across the world since its inception.
“We have Victor, Uche Okafor in AC Romania, Jude Nwankwo, Nathaniel Nicholas, Isaac Okonkwo, in Belgium we have a player in Genk FC who plays for thr U-20 and a host of others. Ae have about 27 players who have left the shores of this country via our league.”
