The second edition of the President Bola Tinubu Under-18 Boys Football Tournament has kicked off at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina, with the Bauchi team defeating the host side 2–0 in the opening match.
The tournament, declared open on Monday by Governor Dikko Radda, began with much excitement as teams from across the country converged on Katsina for the grassroots football event.
Represented by the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Aliyu Lawal-Zakari, Governor Radda welcomed all participating states, describing Katsina as “a home of hospitality and heritage.”
He said the tournament serves as an avenue for nurturing young talents, promoting sportsmanship, and fostering cordial relationships among the participating states.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s readiness to continue hosting and sponsoring the event in support of the Federal Government’s drive to develop football from the grassroots.
The National President of the Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON), Dr. Nasiru Gawuna, commended the Katsina State Government for its unwavering commitment to youth and sports development.
Represented by the YSFON Vice President, North-West, Aminu Ahmed-Wali, Gawuna assured that the federation would ensure fairness and transparency throughout the tournament.
He disclosed that about 15 states had already arrived in Katsina, with more expected to join later in the day.
“The states include Ondo, Kaduna, Bauchi, Kwara, Kano, Jigawa, Zamfara, Kebbi, Gombe, Sokoto, Yobe, Niger, Kogi, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and the host, Katsina,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the opening encounter ended 2–0 in favour of the Bauchi YSFON team.
