The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has inaugurated the Senate President’s Under-18 Unity Football Competition in Abuja, urging football administrators to prioritize talent identification and grassroots development.
Speaking during the opening of the second edition of the tournament, Senator Akpabio, represented by Abdul Ningi, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, expressed confidence that the competition would become an annual platform for discovering young football talents who could represent Nigeria in future competitions.
“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 Nigerian football legends who rose through grassroots competitions, emphasizing the importance of nurturing future stars. He also commended President Bola Tinubu’s efforts over the past two years in prioritizing sports development, urging administrators to fully leverage opportunities for young talents.
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, Jaguar Football Club of Abia State defeated Amahus Football Club of Yobe 1-0. The competition continues at the Old Parade Ground, Garki, Abuja.
