Football Sports A Strong Force That Unites

The Acting Executive Chairman, FCT Universal Basic Education Board Dr. Alhassan Sule has emphasized on the importance of football in uniting people of different races, culture and creed. The Chairman who represented the FCT minister, Barrister Nyesome Wike stated this during the Finals of the Nigeria School Sports Federation CAF U- 15 finals which event took place at FCT Sports Centre , Old parade ground , Area 10. Dr. Alhassan maintained that football activities are fundamental components of education and it is in Sports that you find people of different races coming together. He affirmed that sporting activities enforce discipline in students and the platform is an avenue for the children to discover their hidden potential when it comes to sporting activities.

He therefore urged the contestants to imbibe the spirit of Sportsmanship and promised that next year football competition will be a bigger event.

In his speech, the President of Nigeria Football Federation( NFF) , Alhaji Ibrahim Gusa stated that the only way to get the right children into sports is by going to schools.He revealed that the participation of students in Nigeria in the sports was around 60%.and that the first phase of the game will take place in Lome, Togo and cash award of 500,000 dollars is the prized money for school that wins the tournament. He opined that the money will be used specifically for infrastructural development in the winning school. He further disclosed that NSSF is just the beginning and that the body intends to go into collaboration with Universal Basic Education Commission( UBEC) to ensure that students succeed in their football endeavours.

Alhaji Hashimu Adamu, Director FCT School Sports in his welcome address averred that he was happy for the success attained so far as the children have been with them for a whole week demonstrating their skills and talents . He added that in competition people are bound to win or lose but what matters most is the participation. He also reiterated that winners of the football event will represent Nigeria in the Regional School Sports Tournament in Togo.

Remarking in the competition, Mrs Joseph Olabisi, President Nigeria School Sport Federation ( NSSF)told the forum that the event marks a milestone in the development of talents. She affirmed that the power of sports is great and that sports build character and is also an investment in the future for the upcoming leaders.Also through it, the champion in every child will be developed. Mrs Olabisi advised we take the children off streets through sports.She maintained that talents abound in Schools and appreciated the FCT for agreeing to host the game. She expressed warm appreciation to the young players for their participation at the state and national level.

The competition started with ten states and in the national finals,Enugu slugged it out with Kwara which saw Enugu defeating Kwara in the contest.

The presentation of the prizes was done by the Acting Executive Chairman of the Board.

In the girls category, Taraba state came third position,Ogun, second position and FCT ( The unity girls) first position.

Again, in the boys category, Ogun state came third , Kwara, second position and Enugu, first position.

Based on the results,FCT will be representing Nigeria in the girls category while Enugu represents the country in the boys category.

by: Ossai Patience