Senator Ned Nwoko, the Acting Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, has announced a generous reward of N10 million for the semi-finalists of the recently held 10th Senate President’s U-18 boys football competition. This initiative reflects his commitment to supporting young athletes and promoting sports at the grassroots level.
The final match took place on Sunday, November 17, at the Old Parade Ground Sports Complex in Area 10, Abuja. In a thrilling encounter, Greatness Sporting Club from Ebonyi State triumphed over Qatar Academy of Borno State. The match ended in a goalless draw, leading to a tense penalty shootout, which Greatness Sporting Club won 7-6.
In addition to the champions, Kebbi Selected secured third place in the tournament. They faced off against Tanko Baba Academy from Nasarawa State, and after a nail-biting 2-2 draw in regulation time, Kebbi Selected emerged victorious with a 5-4 win in the penalty shootout.
During the closing ceremony, Senator Nwoko emphasized the importance of perseverance for young athletes. He encouraged the semi-finalists to continue chasing their dreams and acknowledged their hard work and dedication throughout the tournament.
Senator Nwoko, who represented Senate President Godswill Akpabio at the event, reiterated his commitment to the development of youth football. He expressed his passion for nurturing young talent, stating that he aims to create opportunities for them to excel on bigger stages.
He also highlighted his vision for a Sports University, which he believes will play a crucial role in developing future sports stars. His ambition is to host the next edition of the tournament at this university, providing a platform for aspiring athletes.
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Senator Ita Enang, the Chairman of the Main Organizing Committee, expressed his satisfaction with how the competition was organized. He praised the efforts of everyone involved in making the tournament a success and recognized the hard work that went into planning and executing the event.
Looking ahead, Senator Enang shared that plans are already in motion for the next edition of the tournament. He is optimistic about building on the success of this year’s competition and ensuring that it continues to grow and inspire young athletes.
Hon. John Bassey Ekpeyong, the Tournament Coordinator, received special thanks for his dedication and tireless efforts in organizing the event. His commitment was instrumental in ensuring that the tournament ran smoothly and achieved its objectives.
Overall, the tournament not only showcased the talent of young footballers but also highlighted the importance of sports in fostering community spirit and youth development. The support from leaders like Senator Nwoko and Senator Enang signifies a promising future for youth sports in the region.
