3rd September, 2012
The National Secretary of Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria, YSFON, Okpavuerhe Patrick says the body is ready to stage the second U-17 Governor Ibrahim Shema football competition holding between 4-11 September at the Katsina Township Stadium.
Patrick told P.M.News that 25 states have confirmed their interest to take part in the one week tournament, being sponsored by the Katsina State governor.
Some of the states that will feature in the tournament are Abia, Bornu, FCT Abuja, Edo, Delta, Imo, Enugu, Kwara, Kano, Kaduna and hosts, Katsina.
Patrick said YSFON will ensure that all the participating teams have a successful stay in Katsina, adding that the body is looking forward to a memorable tournament, which will surpass the first edition.
“Our target is to make this second edition a glamorous one, which will be better organised than that of last year. We started preparation for the competition shortly after the governor indicated his interest to sponsor the tournament,” he said.
Patrick said lack of fund and sponsors from corporate bodies and philanthropists are the major challenges facing YSFON in the country.
According to him, YSFON is entitled to some subventions from the government as long the body is registered under the National Youth Council of Nigeria.
“We have many developmental programmes to execute before this year runs out, but sponsors are not forthcoming at all.
“If the government can give us our annual subvention, I think YSFON will organise some sporting tournaments, where we can discover young talents who will represent the country in future international competitions,” he said.
—Sunday Akintoye