Aguata Football Club (FC) on Sunday emerged the 2021 Youths Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON) U-17 football championship in Anambra after defeating GP World FA of Nnewi 4-2 on penalties.
The game ended 1-1 draw in regulation time. In the third place match, Hark Dove FC of Awka beat Jefab FA of Nanka 3-1 to emerge third place winner in the skills packed encounter stage at the NEROS Football Stadium Nanka, Orumba North Local Government Area.
Speaking shortly after the match, Donatus Aguejidike, Pillar of Sports in Nigeria called on the Federal Government and State Governments to explore sports as a veritable tool for combating insecurity and youth restiveness. Aguejidike who was special guest of honour at the event said the youth must be gainfully engaged through sports activities to take them away from crime and other social vices.
According to Aguejidike, “everybody must wake up and explore sports as a veritable tool to curb social vices in our society”. “Nigeria is no longer safe, this is because our youths are not gainfully engaged and employed, whereas sports is a platform to accommodate these teeming youths,” he said.
Aguejidike commended the traditional ruler of Nanka community, Igwe Godwin Ezeilo in whose name the competition was played and the organizers for addressing the sporting demands of youths at the grassroots.
Also speaking, the Director of Sports Catholic Diocese of Awka, Rev. Fr. Obinna Dike said the Anambra government should develop a clear policy on sports to provide leadership for the private sector which is driving sports in the state. Dike who is the Chairman, Anambra Independent Football League said he was impressed with the quality of the games, adding that the players would go places if well nurtured.
