Senator Ned Nwoko, the Acting Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, has reaffirmed his dedication to supporting youth sports development in Nigeria. At the closing ceremony of the 10th Senate President’s Cup, held at the Old Parade Ground in Abuja, Nwoko announced his plans to collaborate with the tournament’s organizers to further enhance the platform for young athletes.
The tournament, tagged the Renewed Hope Edition, featured under-18 boys’ teams from across Nigeria, showcasing their talent and determination on the field. Representing the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, Nwoko expressed his admiration for the impressive display of skill by the participants.
Senator Nwoko, a long-time advocate for sports and youth empowerment, commended the players for their dedication and potential. “I was thrilled to see the passion and talent displayed by these young players,” he said. “It’s clear that many of them have bright futures ahead, with the potential to play for national teams and even top international clubs like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Manchester City.”
Nwoko emphasized the importance of identifying and nurturing young talent early. “I’ve always believed in catching them young, and this belief drives my commitment to initiatives like this tournament. My passion for sports also inspired me to establish the Sports University, which I hope will host the next edition of this competition,” he added.
The final match of the tournament delivered excitement as Greatness Sporting Club from Ebonyi State triumphed over Qatar Academy of Borno State in a tense penalty shootout after both teams ended regular play tied. In the third-place match, Kebbi Selected from Kebbi State edged out Tanko Baba Academy of Nasarawa State with a narrow 5-4 victory in another penalty shootout.
The matches demonstrated the depth of talent among the participating teams and reinforced the importance of platforms like the Senate President’s Cup in providing opportunities for young athletes to shine.
To encourage the players and reward their efforts, Senator Nwoko donated ₦10 million to the four semi-finalist teams. The funds were distributed to support the athletes and their respective clubs, underscoring his commitment to nurturing sports at the grassroots level.
Addressing the young players, Nwoko urged them to remain determined in pursuing their dreams. “This is just the beginning,” he said. “Keep working hard, and don’t let challenges stop you from reaching your goals.”
Senator Ita Enang, Chairman of the tournament’s Main Organising Committee, also spoke at the event, expressing his pride in the successful execution of this year’s competition. He hinted at plans to make the next edition even bigger and better, aiming to reach more young talents across Nigeria.
He also commended the tireless efforts of Hon. John Bassey Ekpenyong, the tournament coordinator, whose dedication ensured the event’s success.
The Senate President’s Cup has grown to become more than just a football tournament; it is a platform for discovering and promoting the next generation of Nigerian sports stars. Beyond the matches, the event highlights the importance of leadership and support from individuals like Senator Ned Nwoko, who are passionate about empowering youth through sports.
Nwoko’s vision for the future includes not only fostering talent on the field but also building infrastructure to support sports development. His Sports University is part of this broader goal, aiming to provide a world-class environment for athletes to hone their skills while pursuing academic excellence.
The success of the 10th Senate President’s Cup serves as a reminder of the power of sports to unite and inspire. It also reinforces the importance of investing in young talents who have the potential to achieve greatness both locally and globally.
As the event came to a close, the applause from the stands was not just for the players but also for the visionaries and leaders like Senator Ned Nwoko, whose support makes such opportunities possible. With his generous donation and commitment to future editions, the path for young Nigerian athletes has never looked brighter.
The tournament may have ended, but the journey for these aspiring stars is just beginning. Thanks to initiatives like the Senate President’s Cup, they now have the platform and motivation to pursue their dreams and make a mark in the world of sports.
