By ADO SALISU
The Nigerian School Sports Federation (NSSF) has selected 26 players from the just- concluded national under-15 soccer tournament held in Abuja to represent the country against the Ghanaian side in an international match scheduled to be held in Accra, the capital city of Ghana.
Five players were selected from Kano Government College who emerged runners up in the just- concluded tournament in Abuja.
According to the statement from the NSSF’s secretary General Mr. Oba Funsho Usman Phd, said that the invited players from Kano are: Yusuf Danladi, Ibrahim Adi Ahme, Isa Muhammad, Mukhtar Muazu, Musa Shaaban while Niger state and Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja have three players each Zubairu Muhammad, Suleiman Abubakar, Nabil and
FCT Abuja John Idokwo, Victor Onyebuchi and Andrew Samuel.
The statement added that Enugu state has higher number of 11 invited players namely: Chike Chinedu, saliu Yusuf, Udeze Raymond, Godwin Menyega, Nnamchi Chinedu, Elechi Emmanuel, Edeh David Ugochukwu, Usoro God’s will Ime, Ali Bright, Ilono Somto Chukwu and Johnny Emmanuel.
He explained that Adamawa state has four players including Rufus Raphael, Fadil Ayuba, Ibrahim Mohd and Abbas Muazu.
Speaking on the invitation, the Director of sports in the Kano state ministry of education, Malam Ibrahim Bello described the invitation as well deserved considering the brilliant performance of the players in the competition.
Malam Ibrahim Bello used the medium to commend Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the state Commissioner of education, Alhaji Umar Haruna Doguwa for their unflinching support morally and finally to the school team.
The director charged the invited players to redouble effort with a view to ensure they keep the flag of Nigerian higher while in Ghana.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Schools Sports Federation (NSSF) U15 Championship culminated in an intense showcase of emerging football talents on Monday in Abuja, with Enugu State securing the championship in the male category and Bayelsa State prevailing in the female category.
This tournament, organized by the NSSF with strategic support from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), had representative teams from several states including Adamawa, Niger, Kano, F.C.T, Enugu, and Bayelsa.
The event was not merely a competition; it served as a critical platform for fostering athletic excellence, sportsmanship, and essential networking among participants.
The championship’s significance went beyond immediate accolades, positioning itself as a pivotal avenue for the identification and cultivation of Nigeria’s future football talent. This perspective resonates with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in conjunction with the NFF, emphasizing the tournament’s role in scouting and nurturing the most promising players for future continental competitions.
Present at the event was Alhaji Mohammed Adebayo Ameenu, special assistant to the NFF General Secretary, who commended all participants, acknowledging their outstanding contributions throughout the championship. Ameenu indicated that select players who distinguished themselves during the tournament will receive invitations to national teams.
“The NFF President has immense pride in all participants who demonstrated exceptional skills and sportsmanship throughout the tournament. Those who have been identified by our scouts will have significant opportunities to represent Nigeria on the continental stage,” stated Ameenu.
