The Governor of Kano State, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Team Kano for their outstanding performance, securing the second position in the highly anticipated 1st Annual Nigeria’s Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo National Under-20 Male Youth Football Championship.
The tournament, organized by the African Youth Sports Federation (AYSOF) and sponsored by the Nigerian Navy, under the esteemed patronage of Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo, showcased exceptional talent and fierce competition among the participating teams.
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Governor Yusuf, represented by his deputy Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, expressed his appreciation for the importance of sports in fostering peace, unity, and understanding among communities in Nigeria.
This is contained in a statement by Ibrahim Garba Shu’aibu, the Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, a copy of which was made available to The Punch on Sunday.
He highlighted the positive impact of AYSOF in nurturing talent and facilitating the integration of Kano state’s youth into international football teams, where they excel and earn well-deserved recognition.
Furthermore, Gwarzo revealed plans to establish a management team dedicated to steering the affairs of Kano Pillars in their upcoming tournament in Asaba, Delta State, with the aim of bringing the trophy home.
He equally assured sports enthusiasts that the state government is fully committed to supporting Kano Pillars (Masu-Gida) in any way necessary.
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Gwarzo emphasized that the government is determined to promote sporting activities in the state as a means of engaging and empowering the youth.
He also acknowledged the commendable efforts of AYSOF President, Dr. Ahmed Lawal, spanning over four decades, in organizing nationwide tournaments to enhance relationships among diverse ethnic groups and religious bodies.
Dr Ahmed Lawal, President of AYSOF, emphasized the primary objectives of the tournament, which include fostering unity among youth, bridging economic and ethnic disparities, and redirecting young individuals away from negative influences towards meaningful engagement in sports.
“The championship aims to unearth hidden talents and provide training and development opportunities for aspiring young athletes” he noted.
The Chief of Naval Staff, represented by Commodore Usman Bugaje, Commandant of Nigerian Navy Logistics College, Dawakin Tofa, expressed gratitude to AYSOF for organizing the tournament and honored to serve as the patron of the esteemed organization.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s unwavering support to AYSOF and extended his appreciation to the people of Kano State for hosting the event.
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During the closing ceremony, the tournament’s victors, Team Katsina followed by Team Kano, were awarded the trophy, medals, and certificates, following an intense final match decided by a penalty shootout, with Team Katsina emerging victorious with a score of 5 goals to Team Kano’s 4.
AYSOF, throughout its history, has played a pivotal role in producing exceptional footballers in Nigeria, including legends such as the late Rasheed Yekini, Daniel Amokachi, Garba Lawal, Tijjani Babangida, Celestine Babayaro, Ali Jeje, Dahiru Sade, Tunde Black, Emmanuel Babayaro, Mikel Obi, Victor Moses, and numerous other international star players
