The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has called on sports administrators and football stakeholders across Nigeria to intensify efforts toward developing sports from the grassroots, stressing that the future of Nigerian football depends on early talent discovery and consistent nurturing of young athletes.
Akpabio made this known during the inauguration of the Senate President’s Under-18 Unity Football Competition in Abuja. The second edition of the youth tournament was declared open with an inspiring message delivered on his behalf by Senator Abdul Ningi, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports.
According to Akpabio, the initiative was born out of a desire to give young Nigerians a platform to showcase their potential and to promote unity through sports. He expressed confidence that the competition would soon evolve into a major national event capable of producing world-class players who would represent Nigeria on international stages.
“With these young men showcasing their talents, this is the future of Nigeria. There is no way we can grow sports if we do not invest at the grassroots level,” Akpabio emphasized.
The Senate President highlighted the importance of investing in local-level sports infrastructure, training, and mentorship programs. He recalled how many of Nigeria’s football legends began their journeys from grassroots tournaments, describing such events as breeding grounds for future stars.
Akpabio also lauded President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its renewed attention to the sports sector, noting that the past two years had witnessed commendable initiatives aimed at empowering youth and reviving Nigeria’s sporting culture. He urged all stakeholders to capitalize on these opportunities to drive sustainable progress in sports development nationwide.
In his remarks, Akpabio commended the Grassroots Sports Federation for organizing the tournament, calling it a bold and commendable step toward building a stronger, more inclusive sports community in Nigeria.
The ongoing competition features 21 teams — including 16 male and 5 female squads — drawn from various states across the country. It aims to promote unity, teamwork, and national pride among young athletes.
In the thrilling opening match held at the Old Parade Ground, Garki, Abuja, Jaguar Football Club of Abia State defeated Amahus Football Club of Yobe 1-0, marking a promising start to what many expect to be an exciting and talent-filled tournament.
The Senate President reaffirmed his commitment to making the Under-18 Unity Football Competition an annual event that would serve as a launchpad for the next generation of Nigerian sports icons.