Federal Capital Territory (FCT)’s director of sports development, Mr Luka Istifanus, has applauded the convener of the ABL Unity Championship, Adedayo Benjamin-Laniyi, for her commitment towards the development of football at the grassroots and upliftment of Nigerian youths in FCT.
Speaking at the press briefing yesterday, ahead of Saturday’s grand finale of the tournament aimed at engaging the youth meaningfully and unearth football talents from the six area councils of FCT, Istifanus said the players that will be discovered from the competition will represent FCT at the Gateway 2024 National Sports Festival in Ogun State.
“This is a viable initiative and we appreciate the organisers for engaging youngsters through the football competition.
“I’m happy that the women have come of age challenging men in organising viable programmes that will empower the youth. This programme is being watched globally and our football coaches were mandated to scout talents that will represent FCT at the next year’s National Sports Festival in Ogun State,” Istifanus said.
Earlier, the convener of the tournament, Adedayo Benjamin-Laniyi, said a total of 80 teams, made up of 1200 players partaken in the 21-day grassroots football tourney from preliminary round to the quarterfinals, semifinals and grand the finale slated for the Moshood Abiola national Stadium Abuja on Saturday.
According to her, Adedayo Benjamin-Laniyi (ABL) Unity Tournament is to provide opportunity for young hidden talented footballers within the nook and crannies of FCT to flourish their careers and also a tool for unity.
Former Super Eagles captain and chairman of Enyimba Football club of Aba, Kanu Nwankwo is the global ambassador of the tournament.
