Senator Abdul Ningi will represent Senate President Godswill Akpabio at the opening ceremony of the third Senate President National U-18 Unity Cup, scheduled to kick off on Sunday (today) in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.
According to a statement by the Tournament Coordinator and National President of the Grassroots Sports Federation of Nigeria, John Ekpenyong, Ningi, who chairs the Senate Committee on Sports Development, will represent Akpabio at the ceremony at the Ikot Ekpene Township Stadium.
Ekpenyong said this year’s edition would be bigger, more competitive and more rewarding, with over 500 young footballers expected to participate.
National Under-17 coaches and international scouts are also expected to attend the tournament to identify promising talents for the next generation of Super Eagles players.
Speaking ahead of the competition, Ekpenyong described the tournament as part of Akpabio’s longstanding contribution to grassroots football and youth development.
Ekpenyong said: “This tournament is the legacy of His Excellency, Senator Godswill Akpabio, who for over 15 years has used football to unite Nigeria and empower the youth.
“From his days as Governor where he made Akwa Ibom the home of sports, to his time as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs where he sponsored the Niger Delta Peace Cup, to now as Senate President.
“He is a father of grassroots sports.
“We are grateful that despite his tight national schedule, he has graciously mandated Senator Abdul Ningi, a respected sports lover and Chairman of Senate Sports Committee, to be his representative. This shows how much he values grassroots sports.”
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The tournament coordinator further disclosed that Prince Adeyinka Adeboye, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Grassroots Sports Development, would attend the opening ceremony.
He also announced that Barr. Seyi Tinubu would be honoured as the Best Grassroots Sports Personality at the grand finale scheduled for November 1, 2026.
The tournament is expected to provide a platform for young players to showcase their abilities while giving coaches and scouts an opportunity to identify emerging football talents.
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