SENATE PRESIDENT PLEDGES COMMITMENT TO GRASSROOT SPORTS DEVELOPMENT....
......As U-18 Tournament Concludes In Abuja
The Old Parade Ground at Area 10, Garki, Abuja, on Sunday was the cynosure of all eyes as the much anticipated final of the 10th Senate President U-18 Boys Unity, came to a dramatic end with the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio reaffirming his commitment to grassroot sports development.
Represented by the Acting Chairman, Senate Committee on Sports, Senator Ned Nwoko, the Senate President congratulated all the teams and officials that took part in the competition, and also commended the organisers for a job well done.
The number three citizen said he was elated with the passion and skills showcased by he young talents, stressing that with hard work, most of the players will get to pinnacle of their career, playing for the various national teams and foreign clubs.
On his own capacity, Senator Ned Nwoko who is the Acting Chairman, Senate Committee on Sports, also emphasized the need catch them young so they be nurtured and groomed for the big stage, noted that his passion for sports led to his project, the Sports University, which when completed would serve the purpose of nurturing and developing young talents.
Senator Nwoko donated ten million naira to the four semifinalists, and urged all teams not to let their guards down, but continue to strive in chasing their dreams.
Chairman Main Organizing Committee, Senator Ita Enang in his remarks, expressed his happiness with the smooth run of the competition, adding that plans were already on ground to organize next year's edition.
The Tournament Coordinator and President of the Grassroot Sports Federation of Nigeria, GRASOF, Hon John Bassey Ekpeyoung, while presenting medals to the special guests at the event, reiterated the commitment of the organizers to churning out young talents from the sports sector.
While expressing his gratitude to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio for giving his consent for the competition to be held in its honor, expressed hope that the tourney will be better next year, while adding that more programs would also be unfolded in the coming weeks.
The grand finale was a mixture of years and cheers as the third place match saw Tanko Baba Academy of Nasarawa state loose 5-4 on penalties to Kebbi Selected of Kebbi state, after an intensed clash that ended in a two all draw.
Goals from Ibrahim Umar from the spot, and Abdulmalik Muktar had given the Kebbi side the lead, but thing turned around in favour of the opponents, as two goals in two minutes brought the game to all square.
Wlifred Mde's shot was deflected into the post by a defender, and goal increased the energy of the Nasarawa side. Two minutes later it was Cyprian Kator's beautiful lob behind the rushing goalkeeper to send his colleagues to a wide celebration.
