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By Fabian Kenechukwu,

The League Management Company (LMC) Ltd in conjunction with Enugu State Government host the 2021 NPFL/Laliga Youth League schedule to hold between Monday 12th April and Saturday 2nd May 2021 at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium Enugu, Enugu State.

Arrival of NPFL U-15 teams took place on Monday 12th April, 2021, while screening and accreditation exercise commenced on Tuesday 13th April 2021 at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu. COVID-19 protocols were duly observed and non-pharmaceutical health safety measures.

There was a Pre-Youth League technical meeting scheduled for Wednesday 14th April, 2021 by 4.00pm at the Media Center of Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.

Speaking while receiving the officials of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the League Management Company, (LMC), Enugu State Football Association and the Local Organizing Committee, in his office, Tuesday, April 13, the Enugu State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Manfred Nzekwe on behalf of the State Governor, H.E. Rt. Hon. [Dr.] Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi assured the delegation in the State of the readiness of Enugu State Government to host a hitch-free U-15 La Liga/NPFL football tournament in the Coal City State.

Commissioner Manfred Nzekwe, commended the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for deeming Enugu State capable of hosting such important football tournament.

He assured that Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, by accepting to host the tournament, the state government has put everything in place to guarantee the success of the tournament, adding that the tournament will be the best organized tournament in Nigeria.

He further assured that every relevant stakeholder would be brought on board to ensure a successful tournament.

Hon. Manfred Nzekwe commended the Enugu State Governor, H.E. Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, the sports-loving Governor for his zeal and commitment towards sports and youth development in Enugu State.

Earlier in Abuja, during the Press Conference held at the corporate head office of the league body, the Commissioner while conveying the message of his Governor, maintained that Enugu State is the safest haven for youth developmental programmes such as the NPFL/Laliga U-15 Youth League.

“The Governor has assured that Enugu State will host this year’s edition of the programme and everything has been put in place for a successful hosting.

We’re also assuring you that the state being the capital of South Eastern states is one of the safest in terms of security of lives and property”, Hon. Nzekwe said.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the LMC, Alhaji Shehu Dikko said: “We are doing this programme to unveil Enugu State Government. We thank the Governor, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, for being magnanimous enough to see the vision of this project.

This time, Government of Enugu State will host all the participants for the duration of the entire competition. We also thank the Honourable Commissioner for Sports for his efforts in making things work.”

The Chairman Enugu State Football Association Barrister Tony Ugwu, had assured that all the necessary logistics required for the Championship will be provided by the state Football Association and the organizing committee.

The twenty teams participating in the top flight of Nigeria league, NPFL are participating in this tournament with their U-15 teams.

The tournament which kicked off today, April 15 recorded three matches with the results as follows: Akwa United 1 0 Abia Warriors, Kwara United 0 0 Jigawa Golden Stars, Enyimba 1 1 Dakkada

The choice of Enugu as the host of this very impactful tournament which seeks to draw talents from the U-15 teams of all the 20 clubs in the Nigeria is a clear evidence of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s giant stride and commitment in sports development.

This shows that Governor Ugwuanyi’s passion towards sports development is not only felt in Enugu State but Nigeria at large and beyond.

Fabian Ugochukwu Kenechukwu,
Media Aide to the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports Enugu State.