Yenagoa, the capital city of Bayelsa State, is set to become the focal point of youth football excitement as it hosts the highly anticipated South South U-18 football tournament from February 8th to 13th, 2024.
With preparations in full swing, the stage is set for an electrifying showcase of budding talent and spirited competition.
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Mr Diseye Nwankwe, the Secretary of the Central Organising Committee, affirmed in a recent statement that all logistical arrangements have been finalized, with player screenings scheduled to commence immediately following the draw ceremony.
This meticulous screening process aims to uphold the integrity of the tournament by identifying and preventing age falsification, thereby facilitating genuine talent discovery.
Highlighting the significance of the event, Nwankwe underscored its role in nurturing the next generation of football stars.
“The essence of the screening is to curtail age cheating to enable the organizers [to] achieve the purpose of the tournament, which is talent discovery,” he emphasized.
As anticipation mounts, five participating states have already descended upon Yenagoa, including Rivers, Cross River, Edo, Delta, and host state Bayelsa.
While Akwa Ibom’s arrival is pending at the time of this report, organizers remain optimistic about their timely participation.
Dignitaries from the football fraternity are expected to grace the tournament’s finale, adding prestige to the event.
Among the esteemed guests slated to attend are Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Ibrahim Musa Gusau, and NFF Technical Committee Chairman, Augustine Eguavoen, alongside other notable personalities.
With the stage set for a showcase of youthful talent and sporting excellence, the South-South U-18 tournament promises to be a thrilling spectacle, uniting football enthusiasts and stakeholders in a celebration of grassroots football development.
As the countdown begins, all eyes are on Yenagoa, eagerly awaiting the kickoff of what is poised to be a memorable sporting extravaganza.
