Kogi 2013: YSFON President U-17 Unity Cup kick-offs in Lokoja
The 10th edition of the President Unity Cup U17 Boys Soccer Championship Tournament began today at the Lokoja Township Stadium with dazzling shows by the youngsters from across states in the country.
The championship will witness the participation of at least seven states including the hosts, Kogi state with all grouped into two as seven teams only turned-up for the screening among the eighteen states that signified interest of participation on Tuesday.
Declaring the football competition open was National Vice President of the Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria, Honourable Mustapha Allah-dey, who in his address called upon the young footballers to play the game in the spirit of sportsmanship, displaying fair Play.
He said that the game teaches sportsmen the values of discipline and honesty, stressing that the intention to host the tournament was in the cooperation of the kogi state government in the exposing of talents in Kogi state and encourage to develop age-grade tournaments.
While commending the generosity of the Kogi state governor, Captain Idris Wada, veteran football administrator and domestic league match commissioner anticipates the participating teams and spectators would have a great week of exciting football in the state.
Earlier, the National Public Relation Officer, Ben Ekpo of the Youths Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON) promised a fair and competitive tournament for all participating teams.
In the opening match, Kebbi defeated FCT 3-1. The match of the day saw hosts Kogi dominating possession and deservedly won 2-0 against Taraba.
The star of the entertaining encounter was Alhassan Sanusi who grabbed a brace for the hosts, Kogi State with both goals scored in the second half.
The Special Adviser to the Governor Idris Wada of Kogi State on Sports, Mr Paul Aiyenugba was in attendance for the opening matches.
The tournament is sponsored by Governor Idris Wada of Kogi State and holds through 15th -22nd December,2013 in Lokoja, the Kogi state capital.
Bayelsa state is the defending champions of the President Unity Cup.
Match-Day 1 Results, Scorers
FT: Kebbi 1-3 FCT – Scorers: FCT-Carlos Benjamin Ojiaku(22mins), Abdullahi Dullah (29mins), Abdullahi Kadigan (42mins); Kebbi – Enoch John (68mins)
FT: Kogi 2-0 Taraba – Scorers: Kogi – Alhassan Sanusi (47mins, 66mins)
Tomorrow’s Match Schedule
FCT vs Osun – Confluence Stadium 8am
Taraba vs Ekiti – Confluence Stadium 10am
FCT vs Bauchi – Confluence Stadium 2pm
Kebbi vs Osun – Confluence Stadium 4pm
