Water FC Abuja has launched a pioneering Under-13 football tournament, which is aimed at discovering and developing young talents across Nigeria’s Northeast as part of efforts to revive grassroots football in the region.
Speaking at the event, the representative of the Chairman of Water FC Abuja, Faisal Ahmed Hassan, commended the club’s Chairman, Nureni Makanjuola, for his sustained investment in youth football development.
He said Makanjuola has continued to create opportunities for talented young players by exposing them to clubs in cities such as London and Istanbul.
Hassan explained that the initiative was conceived to address the decline in grassroots football development in the Northeast while providing a platform for young players to showcase their abilities.
He disclosed that the Chairman and Vice Chairman of Adamu Jumba FC Bauchi would soon be invited to the official inauguration of the Water FC Under-13 programme in Bauchi.
Eight teams from across the Northeast participated in the maiden tournament held at the Games Village, Bauchi. Cornerstone FC emerged champions after defeating Kofar Wambai Football Academy 4-2 on penalties following a keenly contested final.
All participating teams received customised match balls, while the winners went home with a trophy, a premium match ball and a cash prize sponsored by the Chairman of Adamu Jumba FC Bauchi, Alhaji Safiyanu Chilevert.
The organisers said the competition would become an annual event aimed at producing future Nigerian football stars.
Source: Sports Archives – New Telegraph
