__ Senator Nwoko Offers N100 Million Lifeline for 2026 Tournament_
By: Chinedum Ohanusi
Youths in the country have been reminded of the need to always be good citizens, by pursuing careers that helps them in finding the perfect balance for their mental health, and physical growth, while avoiding lifestyles that exposes them to social vices.
This charges were reeled out in an address rendered by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Sports, and Senator representing Delta North, Ned Nwoko at the Men’s and women’s finals of the 2nd edition of the President of the Senate Football championships, held in Abuja, on Sunday.
Senator Nwoko who was at the finals, as representative of the President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Godswill Akoabio, also admonished youngsters, especially those who are of school age, of learn to blend their careers in sports, with a pursuit of accademic excellene; so that they can be well rounded youths, and eventually better nurture human beings.
He made a personal pledge of ten million Naira, to be shared by all the twenty-four teams, that took part in this year’s competition, and the organizers of the championships, Grasof; and promised that an additional amount, being donation from the 10th Senate in support of the competition, will be announved after due consultations.
Senator Nwoko drew a loud ovation from the gathering when he announced an offer to host the next edition of the Grasof Under-18 men and women championships, at his Sports University, for which he promised to make available a donation of a whopping one hundred million Naira, to guarantee a better organization.
Excited with the competitiveness on display in the two finals he watched at the Old Parade Ground Abuja, Senator Nwoko told the players;
“It’s because of people like you that I embarked on the venture, to establish the Sports University of Nigeria, in Idumuje-Ugboko, which is one of it’s kind in Nigeria and sub-saharan Africa. The goal is for you a talented sports person or sports administrator, to have the platform that caters for both your sporting and academic needs; while enriching your psychomotor.”
Sunday’s finals in both categories – men’s and women’s was the captivating end to the week-long championships, which featured a total of twenty men’s, and four women’s teams; with all the matches played at the Old Parade Ground, Area 10, Garki Abuja.
Elegant Angels of Akwa Ibom State emerged winners of the women’s title, that’s President of the 10th Senate U-18 Unity Cup; after beating FCT Ladies 4-3 on penalties following a goalless draw.
But what would have been a historic night for Akwa Ibom State, was tuated when Essien Udim FC were elbowed out by a resolute Tanko Baba FC side from Nasarawa State, one of of semifinalists of the last edition.
The men’s final was won 4-3 in sudden death penalties, after both sides were inseparable in a barren draw, after 90 minutes of eye-catching end-toend play by both sides.
The women’s third place trophy was claimed by Horvel Prime FC of Jos Plateau State, who cruised to another 4-3 shootout victory over Young Stars of Niger State; just as Great Olympic FC of Lagos, won the men’s bronze medal, with a 6-5 sudden-death penalties win, over Jaguar FC of Abia state, that’s following a barren draw.
Individual awards were also won by as follows: Testimony Nyong of Elegant Angels of Akwa Ibom State, who won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the women’s category, while Wilfred Mde of Tanko Baba FC won the men’s Most Valuable Player award.
The Best behave team otherwise called Fair play award went to Amahus FC of Yobe State, the women’s version went to Young Stars of Niger State; Agbana Wonderful Football Academy scooped the prizes reserved for the team with the Youngest Squad; while Ebira Queens of Kogi State took home the women’s version of the award for youngest set of players.
In his goodwill message, National President of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Comrade Isaiah Benjamin lauded the vision of the organizers of the annual competition, and urged other well-meaning individuals to throw their weight in support of such grassroots competitions, as the benefits to the youths were enormous.
The highpoint of the grand finale was the thrilling of the distinguished guests and spectators by Afrobeat artist, MC Ice Kid, and the performance of one of Nigeria’s finest football joggler, Austin Skillz.
