By Leo Zwànke, Lafia
Nigerian football legend and former Super Eagles coach, Samson Siasia, has urged stakeholders and corporate organizations in Nasarawa State to invest in grassroots sports development. He made this call yesterday during the 8th Mailafiya Unity and Peace Competition, held in Daddere, Obi Local Government Area.
Siasia emphasized that supporting grassroots sports is essential to reducing youth restlessness and nurturing local talent. He praised Yakubu Mailafia, the sponsor of the competition, for his consistent investment in grassroots football, which he believes plays a crucial role in shaping the future of young athletes.
“It is truly remarkable that one individual has been sponsoring an annual football competition aimed at discovering talent at the grassroots level,” Siasia said. “We will support him and the standout players identified during the competition, helping them pursue their dreams of becoming professional footballers.”
He also called on other well-meaning individuals and companies in Nasarawa to emulate such efforts, stressing that promoting youth sports is vital for the future development of the state.
The Chairman of the Nasarawa State Football Association (FA), Salisu Galadima, echoed Siasia’s sentiments, highlighting the importance of engaging youth in productive activities to deter them from criminal behavior. “The association is pleased that the sponsor has sustained this competition for eight years, and we pledge to partner with him and others in promoting football in the state,” Galadima stated.
Yakubu Mailafia, the sponsor, explained that his passion for football and national youth development motivated him to start the competition in 2016 with only eight clubs. This year, 32 clubs from the Nasarawa South Senatorial Districts participated.
“We have big plans for the players who displayed exceptional talent during the competition, and we are committed to advancing their football careers,” Mailafia added.
Barr. Esson Mairiga (PDP, Lafia North) was also present at the event and expressed his support for youth-focused initiatives. “My constituency presented three clubs, and I’m deeply impressed with the investment in our youth through football. I will continue to support the organizer to achieve the goals of this competition,” Mairiga said.
The 8th edition of the competition kicked off with Thunder Football Club (FC) of Agyaragu defeating Heartland FC of Shabu 1:0 in the opening match. Mamuda Mohammed, wearing jersey number 8, scored the only goal from the first corner kick of the game just 10 minutes into the first half, giving the defending champions an early lead.
