Former Governor of Abia State and current Senator representing Abia Central, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, has announced plans to formally request the return of Abia Warriors Football Club to his ownership. The club, which he founded and personally funded, was later taken over by the Abia State Government.
Kalu made the disclosure in a congratulatory message to Remo Stars FC for winning the 2024/2025 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) title their first since gaining promotion to the top flight. In a video making the rounds He praised the club’s proprietor, Kunle Soname, for the milestone, expressing delight at the success of a privately owned team in Nigerian football.
“I want to congratulate the proprietor of Remo Stars on that remarkable achievement. This is the first time I’ve seen a private club win the national league, and I must say I was genuinely excited. Although I’m still recovering from my trip to China, I celebrate both the club and its owner,” Kalu said in a video that has since gone viral.
Kalu, who governed Abia State from 1999 to 2007 and earned accolades for his contributions to Nigerian sports including leading Enyimba FC to consecutive CAF Champions League victories hinted at a return to club football ownership. He declared his intention to rejoin the sports business by reclaiming Abia Warriors FC.
“I will soon join the owner of Remo Stars, You know, whatever I touch turns to gold. I plan to write to the Governor of Abia State to request the return of the team. I don’t want any legal confrontation; I’ll simply explain that the club is my creation and ask for its return.”he said.
The senator emphasized that he established the club with his personal resources and had initially chosen not to challenge the government’s takeover. However, he now hopes Governor Alex Otti will consider returning the club to its founder.
“I started that club from scratch. Everything was mine. When the state took it over, I chose silence. But now, I appeal to Governor Otti to return the club so we can take it to the continental stage and bring joy to Nigerians,” Kalu stated.
“It’s not easy for a privately owned club to lift that trophy, so I sincerely congratulate Soname. If I get the team back, I will replicate that success. I know what it takes to win at that level.”He concluded with a bold promise:
Kalu also assured that, if given the opportunity, he would invest in top-tier coaching, player recruitment and instilling discipline to make Abia Warriors a continental force once again.
Founded in 2003, Abia Warriors FC currently sits third on the NPFL table and is strongly positioned for a continental competition slot was at some point known as OUK UNITED FC
what the video clip below 👇🏽
