Sports
Young Stars FC Secure Victory in Thrilling Encounter at 10th Senate President’s Cup
In a captivating opening game of the 10th Senate President’s Cup (Renewed Hope Edition), Young Stars FC from Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom, emerged victorious against the Kaura Boys of Kebbi state, thanks to Bakare Omobowale’s first-half strike. The match, held in Abuja on Sunday, showcased the best of football as both teams displayed exceptional skill and determination.
The kick-off ceremony was graced by the Chairman of the Main Organizing Committee, Senator Ita Enang, and Hon. Ibrahim Mohammed, who represents Birnin Kebbi, Kalgo, and Bunza Constituency in the Green Chamber. Speaking to journalists, both officials highlighted the importance of the tournament in fostering unity across Nigeria.
Senator Enang emphasized, “The Senate, under the Distinguished Uncommon Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio GCON, is committed to initiatives that promote unity in the country. Football serves as a unifying force that brings us together as one nation. The sight of teams from the far South and North competing for a common goal is truly inspiring.”
Echoing this sentiment, Hon. Mohammed remarked, “The Unity Cup is a vital platform for Nigerian youths. Football embodies the values of togetherness, progress, and development, which are essential for the Nigeria of today and the future we aspire to build.”
The 10th Senate President’s Cup, themed the Renewed Hope Edition, features 13 teams representing the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. The tournament symbolizes the spirit of unity and camaraderie that sports, particularly football, can foster in the nation.
Sports
FCT FA Board Member Urges Grassroots Reform, Hopeful For Super Eagles World Cup Qualification
Legal Practitioner And Administrator Barr Bucknor Threatens To Petition FCT Minister Over Abandoned Stadiums
Despite Nigeria’s precarious position in the race for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Barrister Babatunde Burknor, a board member of the FCT Football Association (FA), remains hopeful that the Super Eagles can still secure qualification.
Nigeria currently sits third in their qualification group with 11 points from 8 matches, trailing Benin Republic and South Africa, who both lead with 14 points. Yet Burknor, a seasoned football administrator and grassroots sports advocate, believes all is not lost.
In a recent interview made available to BSN Sports, Burknor said: “Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup may appear almost impossible, but that doesn’t mean it is out of reach. The situation is tough, yes, but looking at the quality of players in our squad, I still believe we can make it.”
He added that unexpected results from other group rivals could work in Nigeria’s favour.
“Football is unpredictable. There is still a chance that South Africa, Benin Republic, or Rwanda could drop points. If we win our remaining two games, we still stand a chance. Sometimes football reflects life where the strong may fall while the seemingly weak stand tall.”
Calls for Grassroots Reform in the FCT
Beyond national team concerns, Burknor also used the opportunity to address the state of sports development in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), urging the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to take concrete action to revamp local infrastructure.
“We have deep-rooted problems when it comes to grassroots sports. The major issue is a lack of funding and commitment from those charged with driving development at that level,” he said.
Burknor lamented the disappearance of once-thriving youth competitions like the Chairman’s Cup, Principal’s Cup, and Shell Cup, stating that such events played a crucial role in identifying and nurturing young talent.
“It’s disheartening that these programs are no longer active. Development is impossible without facilities, yet we lack even basic training grounds.”
The legal luminary revealed that he personally upgraded the sports facility at a government secondary school in his area to serve as a makeshift training centre, due to the absence of a functioning local stadium.
He is currently drafting a petition to Minister Wike, over abandoned stadiums in FCT, urging a comprehensive audit of officials responsible for sports development across the six Area Councils of the FCT.
Progress in Gwagwalada Football Development
As Vice Chairman of the Gwagwalada Football Council, Burknor highlighted the success of the Gwagwalada Football League, which has become a model for other Area Councils.
“In just two years, we’ve turned the Gwagwalada Football League into a success story. Several players from the league have already secured contracts in Europe. This shows what can be achieved with vision and consistency.”
Barrister Burknor, emphasized that grassroots football holds the key to Nigeria’s long-term football success and must be taken seriously.
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