By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
The Nyanya Football Coaches Society has successfully concluded the third edition of its Annual Summer Holiday Tournament, with Santos Turf Arena and Karu Football Academy emerging champions in the Under-13 and Under-15 categories respectively.
The grand finale, held at the Nyanya Football Community Field, brought together promising young footballers, coaches, parents, community leaders and football stakeholders in a colourful celebration of grassroots football, youth development and talent discovery.
Santos Turf Arena claimed the Under-13 title after a dramatic goalless final against Karu Football Academy, winning 5-4 on penalties.
In the Under-15 final,
produced an impressive display to defeat Santos Turf Arena 3-2 and lift the championship trophy.
The two-week tournament featured 22 teams and 62 matches across the Under-13 and Under-15 categories, providing the youngsters with valuable competitive experience while keeping them positively engaged during the school holiday.
Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Manga Sunday, described the third edition as a major success, revealing that the tournament was designed as a developmental platform rather than simply a competition.
He said the organisers encountered challenges, particularly funding and the conduct of some untrained coaches, but expressed optimism that the next edition would be bigger and better.
The Vice Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council, Hon. Yusuf Mohammed Nadabo, who represented the AMAC Chairman, Hon. Christopher Maikalangu, commended the organisers for providing a platform where young footballers can develop their talents.
AMAC Deputy Speaker and Nyanya Ward Councillor, Hon. Jonathan Idi, popularly known as Tito, also praised the organisers for sustaining the competition and providing youngsters with a productive way to spend their holiday.
“This tournament is more than football; it is about keeping our children meaningfully engaged, discovering their talents and giving them hope for the future,” Tito said.
He noted that competitions of this nature can help protect young people from negative influences while creating an avenue for talent identification.
“During the holidays, competitions like this take children away from idleness and negative influences and bring them together in a positive environment,” he said.
Tito further promised government support for grassroots initiatives capable of producing the next generation of Nigerian football stars.
“From this platform, we can identify the best talents and support them to move to the next level of their development,” he added.
He described grassroots competitions as fundamental to the future of Nigerian football.
“The future of Nigerian football starts from competitions like this, where young talents are given the opportunity to learn, compete and grow,” Tito said.
Sports Director of Turf Arena Football Academy, Alamin Kamaldeen, described the Under-13 and Under-15 levels as the lifeblood of Nigeria’s football development.
“The Under-10, Under-13 and Under-15 levels are the lifeblood of the football society in Nigeria,” Kamaldeen said, calling for greater investment and support at the grassroots to ensure talented players progress to higher levels.
Karu Football Academy coach, Depo Mutanda, attributed his team’s Under-15 triumph to tactical discipline and a strong emphasis on goalscoring.
“Scoring is the key to success,” Mutanda said after guiding his team to victory.
Karu Football Academy captain, Omega Ibrahim, expressed his delight after lifting the Under-15 trophy and pledged to continue working hard to develop his football career.
The tournament also produced several outstanding individual performers.
Armstrong Elisha of Karu Football Academy finished as the Under-15 highest goalscorer with nine goals, while David Sunday was named Under-15 MVP. Joseph Ezra won the Best Goalkeeper award, with Depo Allahyayi Mutanda named Coach of the Tournament.
In the Under-13 category, Stephen Sabo emerged the highest goalscorer with three goals, while Ifeanyi Udeh was named MVP. Excellent Sunday received the Best Goalkeeper award, while Coach Faruk was recognised as the Best Under-13 Coach.
AMAC Supervisory Councillor for Health, Hon. Aliyu Nuhu Osman, also highlighted the health benefits of sporting activities, urging young people to embrace regular exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle.
With the third edition successfully concluded, the Nyanya Football Coaches Society has strengthened its reputation as a platform for grassroots football development, with organisers now looking ahead to an even bigger and more impactful edition next year.
