Abuja – No fewer than 22 teams have indicated interest to participate in the maiden edition of James Ibori Soccer Competition for the grassroots.
Organiser of the competition, and Director of Cable Soccer Academy, Delta, Edwin Onovwotafe, stated this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
Onovwotafe said that the teams were drawn from Delta and neighbourig Edo, and that the three-weed football fiesta would begin on Sunday at the Township Stadium, Oghara.
He said that the competition was to honour Ibori, former of Delta, in recognition of his contribution to sports development in the state.
“Ibori did a lot for sports, especially football, at the grassroots during his tenure.
“The former governor is very passionate about football, which he sees as a viable tool for positive engagement of young people to divert their attention from social vices.
“During his eight-year tenure, between 1999 and 2007, the state witnessed an unprecedented level of provision and development of sports facilities by the government.
“The Ibori administration built stadia in the three senatorial districts of the state, including the one in Oghara that is hosting this competition.
“This tournament is our little way of appreciating him as well as giving youngsters a platform to showcase their raw soccer talents,’’ Onovwotafe said.
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Up for grabs, according to him, are cash prizes, medals and trophies for the best three teams.
He said that prizes would also be awarded to players and teams in various categories, including highest goal scorer and best goal keeper. (NAN)
