The Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the recently concluded Gombe State Inter-Secondary Schools Principal’s Cup, Abdullahi Bello Aliyu, is already dreaming of donning the Super Eagles jersey.
Aliyu delivered an outstanding performance throughout the week-long Gombe Principal’s Cup, leading his team, the Savannah School’s male football team, to the final of the competition, where they narrowly lost 4-3 in a penalty shootout to Government Day Secondary School (GDSS) Shehu Abubakar Gombe.
Speaking exclusively to LEADERSHIP Sports shortly after the final match at the Gombe Stadium Pantami, Aliyu expressed his aspiration to become a professional football player.
“I thank my teammates, games master and the school management for helping us to reach this far. My dream is to be a professional player and represent the senior national team, the Super Eagles.
“I know it won’t be easy, as playing for the Super Eagles requires consistent performance, dedication, and perhaps a few standout displays in my football career. For me, it’s a matter of time, and I am determined to pursue this dream relentlessly.
“I’m currently playing in Gombe United’s feeder team, and very soon, I will be part of the main squad,” Aliyu stated.
The 22-year-old SSS 3 student from Savannah School, who named Spanish giants Real Madrid as his dream club in Europe, commended the initiator and sponsor of the Gombe Principal’s Cup, Ahmed Shuaibu-Gara Gombe, for providing the youth of Gombe with a platform to excel.
“My dream club in Europe is Real Madrid, the best club in the world. I want to thank Alhaji Ahmed Shuaibu-Gara for giving us youths in Gombe this opportunity to showcase our talents.
“I heard that some scouts from Germany were here to watch us and select players for training in Germany. This is a fantastic opportunity for us, and I believe we will not disappoint him,” Aliyu promised.
There is no doubt that the recently concluded Gombe Inter-Secondary School Games have rewritten the history of the North-East region. It is the first-ever athletics and football event organised for secondary school students in that region, giving opportunities for youths like Abdullahi Bello Aliyu to come into the limelight during the week-long tournament.
The sole sponsor and organiser of this school-based event, Ahmed Shuaibu-Gara Gombe, ensured that the event met global standards and received the endorsement of the Gombe State government, with the 12,000-capacity Gombe Stadium Pantami filled to capacity with excited schoolchildren.
