Nigeria’s Oldest Youth Sports Organisation, the Youth Sports Federation Of Nigeria, YSFON has hits 56 years.
Established on the 6th of April 1965, YSFON was the brain child of the late astute Journalist and workaholic sports enthusiast Tony Eke.
With the backing of the defunct National Sports Commission NSC and the Recognition of the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development,YSFON changed the face of Grassroots sports and Youths development in Nigeria, When others lacked direction.
YSFON expanded to the nooks and crannies of the country with branches in 36 states and FCT Organising Football, Athletics, Volleyball Hockey, Handball Swimming among others
In the course of it’s growth some kind- hearted individuals got attracted and contributed to YSFON’S Progress financially.Great minds like the late Isreal Adebajo of the defunct Stationery Stores Football Club fame, Dr Garba Hamza, MKO Abiola former head of state General Murtala Muhammed, Bolaji Oni, Mrs Bola Kuforiji Olubi, Major General Joe Garba, Ibikunle Armstrong all of Blessed Memory to mention but a few
The Organisation gained stronger footings under the leadership of Late President Dokun Abidoye, Tunde Ojulari and now the dedicated Deputy Governor of Kano State Dr Nasiru Gawuna
YSFON made its mark early as far back in 1980, when it assembled little known youths to become the first African team to win the Scandinavian youth soccer competition popularly known as Gothia Cup in Sweden,The Brazilian Cup of State in 1982 and 1986, Dallas Cup in 1982, the Mexican cup in 1983, while most of the players that brought the 1st fifa Kodak under 16 tournament from China came from YSFON.
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In the course of these exploits YSFON produced superstars that gave Nigeria a beautiful and enduring image, winning laurels both locally and Internationally, the likes of Paul Okoku Tarila Okorowanta, Nduka Ugbade Christopher Anigala Mikel Obi, JJ Okocha, Kanu Nwankwo, Kelechi Iheanacho Victor Osimhen and many more
While clicking glasses for the journey so far THE Current President Dr Nasiru Gawuna who is the Kano State Deputy Governor has cautioned that greater task Still lies ahead and appealed to Nigerian leaders not to allow YSFON die.
He called for cooperation to revive the hope of Nigerian Youths by supporting the dream so that our country will rise again and dominate the entire world.
Edited by Tunde Orebiyi
