Over 500 youngsters set for Senate President U-18 Unity Cup

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...Senator Ningi to represent Akpabio at kicks off in Ikot Ekpene
 
By Maxwell Kumoye 
 
 

More than 500 young footballers will take centre stage in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, as the third Senate President National U-18 Unity Cup gets underway tomorrow, with talent discovery and grassroots development expected to headline the competition.

Senator Abdul Ningi, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports Development, will represent Senate President Godswill Akpabio at the opening ceremony scheduled for the Ikot Ekpene Township Stadium.

The Tournament Coordinator, John Ekpenyong, who is also National President of the Grassroots Sports Federation of Nigeria, said the competition would offer emerging players an opportunity to showcase their abilities before national U-17 coaches and international scouts.

The presence of the scouts and youth national team coaches is expected to give the participating youngsters an opportunity to attract attention as they pursue their football ambitions.

Ekpenyong linked the tournament to Akpabio's longstanding involvement in using football as a tool for youth empowerment and national unity, tracing the initiative's roots to his years as Governor of Akwa Ibom and his subsequent tenure as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs.

He recalled Akpabio's support for the Niger Delta Peace Cup and described the Senate President's continued association with grassroots football as an important contribution to youth development.

According to Ekpenyong, the delegation of Senator Ningi to represent Akpabio at the opening ceremony reflects the Senate President's commitment to the competition despite his demanding national responsibilities.

The opening ceremony will also feature Prince Adeyinka Adeboye, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Grassroots Sports Development.

Attention will subsequently shift to the grand finale on November 1, 2026, when Barrister Seyi Tinubu is scheduled to receive the Best Grassroots Sports Personality award.

With over 500 players expected to feature, the tournament will provide a competitive platform for young footballers to demonstrate their potential, while offering talent scouts an opportunity to identify prospects for the future.

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