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Samson Siasia, former Nigerian international and ex-Super Eagles coach, has called for increased investment in grassroots sports development in Nasarawa State. His appeal was made during the 8th edition of the Mailafiya Unity and Peace competition, held in the Daddere community of Obi Local Government Area.
Siasia praised Yakubu Mailafia for his commitment to grassroots football as a way to alleviate youth restlessness, highlighting the significance of sponsoring such competitions to unearth local talent.
He expressed his support for both Mailafia and exceptional players identified during the competition, encouraging other individuals and businesses in the state to follow suit in promoting youth sports.
In a similar vein, Salisu Galadima, Chairman of the Nasarawa State Football Association (FA), commended the initiative for engaging youths and deterring crime. He acknowledged the longevity of the competition and pledged that the FA would partner with Mailafia and other sponsors to enhance football in the region.
Yakubu Mailafia, the competition’s sponsor, explained that his motivation stemmed from a passion for football and a desire to engage the youth for national development. He noted the growth of the competition, which started in 2016 with eight clubs and now features 32 teams from the Nasarawa South Senatorial District.
Barrister Esson Mairiga, a member of the House of Assembly representing Lafia North, highlighted his constituency’s participation with three clubs in the tournament. He expressed admiration for the investment in youth football and promised to support Mailafia in achieving the competition’s objectives.
In the tournament’s opening match, Thunder Football Club (FC) of Agyaragu, the defending champions, secured a 1-0 victory over Heartland FC of Shabu. Mamuda Mohammed, wearing jersey number 8, scored just ten minutes into the game from the first corner kick, giving Thunder FC an early advantage.
