Kogi Community Keys Into FIFA’s Initiative As 12 Teams Battle For Unity Cup
By Salifu Usman, Abuja
In a bold move to discover and groom young talents in line with FIFA grassroots developmental initiative, Oganenigu Unity Cup has kicked off in Oganenigu, Dekina local government area of Kogi State.
The community-based unity tournament which was flagged off during the weekend with the opening match between Odolu-Efu FC and Ajachaga FC in Odolu-Efu will climax December 27, 2023 with 12 teams from the community battling for Honours.
The chairman of the local organizing committee, Comrade Abel Baba, said the tournament is designed to create peaceful coexistence, unity and patriotism among people of the community is also aimed at creating job opportunities for the teeming youth and eliminating youth restiveness using the instrumentality of football.
“Sports is a unifying factor that binds people together irrespective of their ethnic and religious inclination. As a group, we are committed to the development of sports and we will continue to use it to create jobs and engage the youths for the purpose of peace and unity in this era of security challenges.”
On his part, the deputy chairman of the organizing committee and former Kogi State House of Assembly aspirant, Hon.Prophet Akache Abimaje, said the committee hopes to use the tournament to spot budding talents with a view to assisting them grow in their football career. “This is the first time the community is organising such a football competition.”
The systematic promotion of grassroots football has always been one of FIFA’s priorities to bring football to as many people as possible, thus addressing one of the world body’s missions: “to develop the game”.
It is on bases that expertises and enthusiasts alike are excited that Oganenigu Unity Cup is a driving force for development and empowerment of teeming youths.
The first match saw Odolu-Efu wallop Ajachaga 3-0 just as Aloko FC thrash arch rivals Ugbabo 2-0 in the second match of Day1.