Former Super Eagles players have lauded the minister of youth and sports development, Sunday Dare foe his ingenuity and innovations in promoting sports at the grassroots, Bestchoicesports.com,ng can report

Ex Super Eagles Captain, Joseph Yobo and former goalkeeper, Ike Shourumu gave the kudos to the minister at the final of the maiden edition of Oyo Unity Cup played on Sunday at the Liberty Stadium, Ibadan.

The newly appointed assistant coach of the Super Eagles, Joseph Yobo commended the minister for a well thought out plan for discovering new talents in football. “It’s a good innovative concept by the Honourable Minister. It is refreshing that he has been able to put something together in a very short time that he has been in office.

“I was privileged to be at the opening ceremony and I watched the opening game in Ogbomosho. Today we have the final of it and it has been very interesting football because for me football is biggest unifying factor in Nigeria and what the Minister is doing is commendable.

“I want to commend and encourage him. This is the maiden edition so hopefully in weeks and months to come, we hope to see new visions and ideas that he has and will be implementing.”Asked if the Oyo Unity Cup has lived up to its aim of producing new talents, he said, “Of course I saw a talented players today.

In the first game, I saw two players one in white shirt in number 10 and number 7 in the red team. I think it’s very interesting and that’s why we are here. Having played football at the highest level, some of us have eyes to see good players. We know even within 10 minutes of play and have seen just that and that’s why I commend the Minister Mr. Sunday Dare”.

On his part ex Super Eagles goalkeeper, Ike Shorounmu commended the courage and doggedness of the Mr. Sunday Dare in promoting sports in the country describing him as a very energetic and tireless Minister. Mr Shorounmu stated this at the final of the Oyo Unity Cup on Sunday, 23rd February, 2020 at the Liberty Stadium in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

Speaking to newsmen after the match, Shorounmu expressed delight to be at the final of the maiden edition of the Oyo Unity Cup pioneered by Sunday Dare. “I am delighted to be here today, it is interesting and heart warming to see that this ground breaking event was a success and for the fact that it was pioneered by the Minister, this is a clear indication that grassroots sports won’t be taken for granted anymore.”

The former Super Eagles goaltender who also commended the Minister for how he started, said he has shown doggedness in its entirety towards sports and youths development, expressing optimism that the Minister would leave indelible marks in the Ministry before the end of his tenure as Minister.

“I am optimistic that he will achieve a great deal before the end of his tenure. Really one cannot but say kudos to Mr. Sunday Dare for not shying away from the grassroots because that is where the real talents are,” he said

Ogo Oluwa Surelere Federa Constituency of Oyo State has emerged champions of the maiden edition of the Oyo Unity Cup after defeating Ibarapa Federal Constituency 1-0 in the played on Sunday