By Kelvin Okpara, Enugu 31/8/2025. Slug: Enugu State Commissioner For Youth and Sports, Barrister Lloyd Ekweremadu, and former Vice p
By Kelvin Okpara, Enugu 31/8/2025.
Slug:
Enugu State Commissioner For Youth and Sports, Barrister Lloyd Ekweremadu, and former Vice present of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Barrister Seyi Akinwumi, have harped on the need for continuos promotion and development of grassroots football via sponsorship across Nigeria so as to harness budding soccer talents, just as Denver FC have emerged 2025 Enugu U-15 Grassroots Football Tournament champions.
They spoke at the weekend in Enugu, during the final game of the Enugu State 2025 Under-15 Grassroots Football Tournament at the Nnamdi Azikwe Stadium Enugu, which saw Denver FC emerge champions, and smiled home with a cash prize and trophy.
Denver FC beat their Old Park opponents, Lionaires FC by two goals to nothing to lift the coveted trophy.
In the third place match before the final game, Young Stars FC of Iva Valley beat Emirate FC of Abakpa by 4-1 to the third position and bronze medal.
Satisfied with the outcome of the encounters, organizers of the tournament, the Enugu State Football Association (ENSFA), rewarded both teams and best players with cash awards running into thousands of Naira.
Speaking with sports writers at the end of the final match, ENSFA chairman, Barrister. Tony Ugwu, expressed joy and satisfaction at the level of play exhibited by the young boys, saying that they have been trying to catch them young.
He said that the tournament has continued to improve since it began four years ago and has continued to improve.
According to him, “Four years ago, we started. Last year, it improved, today, improvement and next year we expect improvement.
“More discoveries are being made. The tactical play is wonderful, we are trying to discover them at this level.”
The Enugu FA leader, expressed appreciation to the Enugu State Government through the Sports Commissioner, and other sponsors that made the tournament a huge success.
He thanked especially the former vice president of NFF, Sheyi Akinwumi, who was a special guest and gave scholarship to two outstanding players.
In his remarks, Commissioner Ekweremadu, while applauding the outcome of the tournament, stated that it has continued to improve and get better and bigger.
He said, “This is getting bigger every year. We saw one last year and this year, it is much bigger. You can see the quality of football at this level has improved.
“They played very good ball and it shows that their future is bright” thanking Akinwumi for giving scholarship to two best players.
Barrister Akinwumi in an interview with Sports writers, expressed joy that the boys really displayed their talents.
He said, “The talents here is immense. I am glad to see the quality of football displayed here.”
The former Lagos State Chairman Football Association disclosed that he has continued to sponsor grassroots football across Nigeria through his Foundation with a view to harnessing budding soccer talents abound in the country.
He however, used the medium to call on Nigerians with the financial capacity to always support the promotion of grassroot soccer actors tye country.
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