By Andrew Alimor
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC )U17 Peace Cup Football competition, organised by the Grassroot Sports Federation of Nigeria, will get underway today at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.
A statement by the Tournament Coordinator, Comrade John Ekpenyong yesterday stated that eighteen teams, two from each of the Niger Delta States of Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo and Rivers, will converge in Asaba for the coveted trophy
The competition now in its second edition, is strictly for players within the U17 category, and is aimed at spotting young talented players seeking to have a career in football.
Expected to grace the opening ceremony are the Niger Delta Affairs Minister Hon. Umana O. Umana, the Acting Managing Director of NDDC, Engr Emmanuel Ohwavborua and other top officials of the agency as well as former Nigeria internationals including Daniel Amokachi, Victor Ikpeba, Peter Rufai, Christian Ogbodo, Etim Esin among other stakeholders.
“All is set for the competition, ” Ekpenyong said. “We are ready to kickstart the second edition of the NDDC U17 Peace Cup in Asaba.
“The opening ceremony will be on Monday (today) at the famous Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, and we are expecting top officials of both the Niger Delta Ministry and the Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC, some Ex-Internationals, as well as major football stakeholders from the state to grace the opening ceremony.
“We want to use this opportunity to invite the public to come out en masse for the opening ceremony, and ensure the best of Grassroot football.”
Kifa Football Club of Akwa Ibom emerged winners of the maiden edition after beating Delta United by one goal to nil at the Ikot Ekpene Stadium, last year, while Sam Decent Academy of Imo defeated Delta Force on penalties to win the third place spot.
The tournament will be played across four centres at the Austin Okocha stadium, Ogwashi Uku, while the quarter finals, semi-finals and finals, will be hosted at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba.