By Timothy Nwobodo

In a remarkable celebration of unity and talent, the 10th Senate President’s Under 18 Unity Cup is poised to captivate football enthusiasts and supporters of grassroots sports development as it kicks off from November 10 to 17, 2024, in Abuja. Themed the “Renewed Hope Edition,” this groundbreaking tournament, organized by the Grassroot Sports Federation, South-South, is a testament to the commitment to fostering unity in diversity and nurturing young talents.

With 13 teams competing for the prestigious star prize, the tournament promises to be a spectacle of skill, sportsmanship, and camaraderie. Hon. John Bassey Ekpenyong, the tournament coordinator, shared the noble objectives of the competition, highlighting the significance of promoting unity, unearthing budding talents, creating employment opportunities for the youth through football, and combating youth restiveness.

In a statement released on Sunday, Ekpenyong expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of the National Assembly Leadership, particularly Senator Godswill Akpabio GCON and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, towards sports development in Nigeria. The establishment of the National Sports Commission (NSC) further underscores the leadership’s dedication to nurturing and advancing sports at all levels.

Ekpenyong emphasized, “The participating teams, selected from the 6 geo-political zones of Nigeria, with 2 teams representing each zone, in addition to a specially chosen team from the host city, Abuja, embody the rich talent diversity within the country. This tournament serves as a platform for these young athletes to showcase their skills and potentially pave the way for a promising future in the football world.”

Reflecting on the pivotal role of Senator Godswill Akpabio GCON, the life Patron of the Grassroots Sports Federation, South-South, Ekpenyong recalled the Senator’s unwavering support for grassroots sports development, dating back to his tenure as the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom state. “We are appreciative of the Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio GCON, Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Right from his time as a governor, he championed grassroots sports development, benefiting over 200 players during his tenure,” Ekpenyong stated.

As anticipation mounts for the 10th Senate President’s Under 18 Unity Cup, football enthusiasts and advocates for grassroots sports development eagerly await a week filled with thrilling matches, inspiring performances, and the celebration of unity through the beautiful game. This tournament not only showcases the raw talent of young athletes but also serves as a beacon of hope and empowerment for the youth of Nigeria.