Coach Amb. Abinu Kicks Off 5-Aside Football Tournament in Lokoja to Scout Young Talents
The Coach Ambassador Gabriel Abinu Foundation has officially flagged off a five-aside football tournament in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, aimed at unearthing raw football talents and promoting grassroots sports development.
The tournament, which commenced at the Confluence Fitness Centre Pitch, Club 1901 Lokoja, is expected to run for one week and features teams from wards A, B, C, D, and E within Lokoja Local Government Area.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the sponsor and convener of the event, Coach Ambassador Gabriel Abinu, expressed his unwavering commitment to youth empowerment through sports. He emphasized that the initiative is designed to engage young people productively and steer them away from negative societal influences.
“This competition is borne out of my determination to discover raw talents that will represent our dear state at both national and international levels,” he said. “Kogi is blessed with young, energetic and talented individuals. Through platforms like this, we hope to harness these potentials.”
Abinu noted that his foundation is passionate about nurturing young athletes from an early stage. He added that selected players from the tournament will be supported in pursuing professional football careers, with a long-term goal of having them represent clubs such as Kogi United and, eventually, the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
“Let Nigerians be rest assured that the best players will be picked from this tournament. I am very optimistic that some of these youngsters will soon feature in top-tier football competitions within and outside the country,” he stated.
The grassroots tournament is also expected to foster unity and healthy competition among youths in the participating communities.
Observers have lauded the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention to curb youth restiveness and promote sports as a viable career path in Kogi State.
