The maiden Governor Wike Unity Cup pre-season competition will begin this Saturday in Port Harcourt, with eight clubs from Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) already confirmed to participate, sports247.ng can report.
Organizers disclosed further that, apart from Eyimba of Aba, MFM FC of Lagos, FC Ifeanyiubah of Nnewi, Sunshine Stars of Akure and Plateau United of Jos, more clubs from the lower division and state leagues will also take part in the contest that is scheduled to end on December 22.
This will be a follow-up to Governor Wike’s recent support fro various sporting events, as he also supported the National Judo Championship in May.
The inaugural judo championship had 300 accredited judokas from 17 States and 15 clubs in the cadet, junior and senior categories.
The president of Nigeria Judo Federation, Prince Timothy Nsirim said the championship was dress rehearsal for the African Youth Games, All Africa Games in Zambia next year, Commonwealth Judo Championship in November and 2019 African Judo Championship.
Nsirim advised parents and guardians to allow their wards embrace judo as it helps them become disciplined and engage them meaningfully.
He praised the Governor Nyesom Wike Judo Championship as a template to bid for major championships that will see judokas from other parts of Africa compete in Port Harcourt.
Nsirim added: “One of the reasons we are here is that we are preparing for the All African Youth Games and part of our programmes ahead of major championships to select our champions for national camping.
“I am sure that it will be a template for bigger events we will indicate our interest for as continental championship.”
