Former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) 2nd Vice President, Shehu Dikko, commended the organizers of the maiden FCT Secondary School Football Tournament during his role as Chairman of the event held at the Waldorf Knoll Academy Football pitch in Jabi, Abuja, on Saturday.
Dikko emphasized the significance of grassroots football in the development of the sport and urged states across the country to initiate similar tournaments involving young boys. He stressed the importance of connecting with schools to ensure that players participating in age categories such as U13, U15, and U16 are of the appropriate school age.
“Grassroots football is the way for us to go,” Dikko expressed. “We have to connect with our schools because the kids that play at that level, whether U13, U15, U16 or whatever, the first thing is to make sure that they are of school age.”
He advocated for a comprehensive framework involving schools to establish proper records for young players, allowing for follow-up and development as they progress to higher levels such as U17, U20, national teams, and clubs.
Encouraging the continuation of such competitions, Dikko stated, “All schools should be encouraged to organize what we have seen here today. It could be annually, quarterly, or what have you and prepare these kids for the future.”
Following intense competition, Waldorf Knoll Academy emerged as champions, defeating HHH Foundation School 2-0 in an entertaining final. Hussaini Yahaya of Aduvie International School earned the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, Yasir Yusuf of HHH Foundation School received the best goalkeeper award, and Moses Yakubu of Waldorf Knoll Academy was recognized as the highest goal scorer with four goals.
Dikko acknowledged the talent displayed by the young players, predicting bright futures for many and encouraging schools and player managers to keep a close eye on their development.