By Eche Amos

As the clock ticks towards the commencement of the 39th edition of the Rahmat International Cup, a youth development talent-hunt tournament organized by Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria, YSFON, the Nasarawa State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Othman Bala Adam, has urged the State’s YSFON team to ensure that they come back with the trophy from Kano State, venue of this year’s edition.

The Commissioner gave the charge today at the Lafia City Stadium where coaches were holding a screening exercise to pick the best players to represent the State at the fast-approaching U-16 YSFON football tournament billed to hold from 5th-13th February, 2021.

In his remark, Othman Bala Adam said, “I am on this on-the-spot assessment of our talents who will be representing us at the Rahmat International Cup in Kano State later this month.

“We hope and pray that our coaches pick the best talents, without prejudice, to represent us.

He revealed Government’s relentless determination to give sports a new perspective in tandem with the administration of Governor Abdullahi Sule’s set goals for the State.

“With all sense of modesty, this is the first time that the government is intervening in the activities of YSFON in the State.

“We are doing this because this administration is hellbent in ensuring that the capacities and competencies of our own, in all spheres of human endeavours, are taken care of.”

The former state lawmaker added that Government had granted the request of YSFON in the State to enable it participate at the event.

“The Government of Engr. Abdullahi Sule has released funds to enable these talents of ours successfully participate in this event.”

Reacting, Suleiman Usman, Chairman, Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria, Nasarawa State Chapter, thanked the Commissioner and Governor Abdullahi Sule for their prompt response to the federation’s request, and promised to deliver on the mandate given

“We are grateful for this august visit. YSFON, Nasarawa State, wishes to assure you and Government of Nasarawa State that we will do all we can to bring the Rahmat Cup back home. “We will be strict in our screening and ensure that the best legs are picked for the tournament”, Usman assured.