Football Stakeholders across Nigeria have expressed concern that the overwhelming efforts of the Youth Sports Federation Of Nigeria YSFON in bringing progress to the round leather game in the country are being undermined by some influential bodies who see YSFON as a threat to their wellbeing
Speaking during an interview with the media department at the National Stadium in Surulere Lagos, Cletus Akerele a Youth football team manager laments that despite the fact that Nigeria is blessed with abundant football talents there has not been enough synergy between the Country’s football ruling body and YSFON thereby creating a vacuum in talents discovery.
Akerele Said Over the years YSFON has proven to be a very reliable and focused Youth football Organising body and believes that the Ramat Cup Tournament is a great platform and a rallying point for Nigerian Youths to exhibit their skills.
In his view Charles Ndukwe, a retired football player appealed to the Government not to allow YSFON’s efforts to go in vain. Ndukwe recalled the wonderful achievements of the Youth Sports Organizing body and feels that they deserve better attention to give hope to the Nigerian Youth who intends to take the game further as a career.
He insists that it is a shame for the country to now struggle to qualify for international Championships and even unable to make a mark in age-grade football competitions when the nation has a reservoir of talents which was never the case in the past.
They argue that the way things are going, lack of cohesion between the powers that be in Nigerian football and other voluntary Sports Organization will continue to deprive Nigeria of an enviable place in future International football competitions, except stakeholders put aside their pride and combine efforts to develop the Youths for the greater good of the country.
The 38th edition of the Ramat Cup International is already gathering momentum amongst Nigerian Youths, despite a little hitch occasioned by the unfortunate Coronavirus pandemic across the world.
The Main Organizing Committee, the National Secretary, Olorogun Patrick Okpavuerhe, as well as the YSFON President Dr. Nasiru Gawuna have all agreed to a new date.
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The competition is now fixed for 19th to 26th of March 2021 to enable the Youths to have a fair chance of participation with a view to enhancing a formidable football career in the future.
Teams from 36 states and FCT have indicated interest and are to arrive Kano on the 19th while they have been advised to strictly observe all Covid-19 protocols to make the event a resounding success.
(Editor: Abaje Usekwe)
