…as Under-18 Football Competition Kicks Off in Abuja
By John Alechenu, Abuja
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has inaugurated the Senate President’s Under-18 Unity Football Competition in Abuja, calling on football administrators to prioritize talent identification and development at the grassroots level.
Speaking during the opening of the second edition of the tournament, Senator Akpabio, represented by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, Abdul Ningi, expressed confidence that the competition would become an annual platform for discovering young football talents who could represent Nigeria in future competitions.
He emphasized the importance of grassroots development for the growth of sports in the country. “With these young men showcasing their talents, this is the future of Nigeria, and there is no way we can grow sports if we do not invest at the grassroots level,” he said.
Senator Akpabio cited the examples of Nigerian football legends who rose through grassroots competitions, noting that these tournaments are crucial for nurturing future stars. He also commended President Bola Tinubu’s efforts in prioritizing sports development over the past two years and urged sports administrators to fully leverage these opportunities.
He praised the Grassroots Sports Federation for organizing the competition, describing it as a significant step toward strengthening the nation’s sports sector.
The tournament features 21 teams, including 16 male and 5 female teams, and aims to promote unity, sportsmanship, and national development. In the opening match, the Jaguar Football Club of Abia State defeated Amahus Football Club of Yobe 1-0. The competition continues at the Old Parade Ground, Garki, Abuja.
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