Flourish Football Academy of Tunga has emerged champions of the 2023/2024 edition of Niger state prestigious pre-season soccer tournament.
Flourish FA defeated Harmony FA of Bosso by three goals to nothing to emerge the champions, of the final match played at the Maikunkele town football field in Bosso local government area of the state.
A brace of one goal in each half by Israel James and a goal from Yusuf Aliyu Manuga handed over the victory to Flourish FA at the end of regulation time.
The Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development,Ibrahim Gulbin-Boka, presented by the Permanent Secretary Mallam Nuhu Garba Ingaski at the finals match commended the donor and sponsor of the tournament, Enginner, Ibrahim Dada Maikunkele for engaging youths through sports.
He affirmed that people like Enginner, Ibrahim Dada who is the Chairman of the state darling team, Niger Tornadoes need to be commended and appreciated for complementing government efforts in engaging the youths meaningfully, thereby reducing the youth restiveness in the state.
Mallam Nuhu Ingaski explained that the government alone cannot do it and called on well to do individuals and corporate organizations to emulate Engineer Dada, by ensuring they give back to the society and engages the youths through meaningful ventures.
The sponsor of the tournament, Engineer, Ibrahim Dada Maikunkele said his wealth is from the state, and as such he would not take it anywhere but to spend it in the state.
Enginner Ibrahim Dada who is a structural engineer and a FIFA license player intermediary promised to continue to sponsor the tournament.
He also disclosed that the essence of the tournament is to fish out hidden talents, confirming that some young players were identified during the tournament and many of them have been engaged for professional football career.
Engineer, Dada Maikunkele appreciated God for the successful completion of the tournament, commending the organizers under the leadership of Comrade Adamu Sani Osmond for their efforts towards the success of the tournament.
The Chairman of Niger State Football Association (NSFA), Comrade Ahmed Yusuf Fresh in his remarks appreciated Engineer, Dada for keeping the flame of the tournament burning and contributing to the development of the round leather game in the state.
He acknowledged that the tournament not only backed by the state FA but also highly supported by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Nigeria Nationwide League One (NLO).
Highlights of the event were presentation of Medals, trophies and cash rewards to players, outstanding teams and honour awards to various individuals, who contributed to the success of the tournament.
