Former Super Eagles coach and Nigerian ex-international, Samson Siasia, has urged stakeholders in Nasarawa State, including corporate organizations, to invest in grassroots sports development. He made this call during the kickoff of the 2024 Mailafia Peace and Unity Football Tournament on Saturday in Deddere, Obi Local Government Area.
Siasia praised the tournament sponsor, Yakubu Mailafia, for his dedication to grassroots football, having consistently organized the tournament for the past eight years. He emphasized that such initiatives play a vital role in discovering football talents from rural communities, helping them achieve their dreams while addressing youth restiveness.
“We will support him and the players who show exceptional talent, helping them pursue their dreams of becoming professional footballers,” Siasia stated, encouraging others in the state to emulate Mailafia’s efforts.
Salisu Galadima, Chairman of the Nasarawa State Football Association, also lauded Mailafia’s initiative, noting that engaging the youth through sports helps reduce crime. He promised that the association would collaborate with the tournament’s sponsor to further promote football in the state.
Mailafia, reflecting on his passion for football, explained that the tournament, which began in 2016 with just eight clubs, now features 32 clubs from Nasarawa South and Nasarawa North Senatorial Districts. He expressed plans to help outstanding players advance their football careers.
In his remarks, Esson Mairiga, a lawmaker representing Lafia North constituency, expressed his support for the tournament, highlighting his constituency’s participation with three clubs.
Meanwhile, in the tournament’s opening match, defending champions Thunder Football Club of Agyaragu secured a 1-0 victory over Harland FC of Shabu. Thunder FC’s Mamuda Mohammed, wearing jersey number 8, scored the decisive goal 10 minutes into the first half from a corner kick.
