Former Nigeria International duo of Daniel Amokachi and Patrick Udoh has applauded Senate President Godswill Akpabio for endorsing the 10th edition of the Senate President’s U-18 Boys Unity Cup.
Organised under the auspices of the Grassroots Sports Federation , the opening ceremony of this year’s tournament tagged ‘Renewed Hope 1st Edition’ is expected to hold on November 10th at the Old parade Ground in Abuja.
Expected to be in attendance as the Principal Guest of Honour is Dr. Akpabio , the current Senate President along with the Deputy President of the Senate , Barau Jibrin as the Special Guest of Honour as well as other Senators of the 10th Senate.
“I want to acknowledge the contributions of the distinguished Senate President Godswill Akpabio towards sports development especially football,” Amokachi, the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations winner , said.“ I was there when he was the Governor of Akwa Ibom State and the what he did in developing young stars that came through to play in the Nigerian league along with few others who had gone out top play professional football outside the shores of Nigeria.
“I’m sure, a lot of talented young stars would be found at the coming Senate President Cup and I want to say that the distinguished Senate President should continue to do what he is doing .
“ We are seeing all what you are doing especially the efforts in developing young talents in Nigeria.
“ Thanks so much sir; don’t get tired with us because you are the man,” noted Amokachi who is currently attached with Lobi Stars as Technical Director.
Similarly, Ex-goalkeeper Udoh, a member of the Flying Eagles to Mexico 1983 U-20 World Cup, has equally saluted Dr. Akpabio’s magnanimity towards development of sports over the years, adding his efforts over the years have impacted positively on the youths.
He said:“ I wish to express my deep appreciation to the distinguished Senate President Godswill Akpabio for endorsing the 10th Senate President Cup under-18 Unity Cup . May God continue to bless you for fostering unity amongst the youths and discouraging youth restiveness . Actually, he did it when he was the governor and I would be there to grace the occasion as one of the tournament’s ambassadors .”
Meanwhile, the coordinator of the tournament, Hon. John Bassey Ekpenyong , has informed that arrangements are now in an advanced stage towards a hitch-free opening ceremony where Young Stars of Ikot Ekpene (Akwa Ibom) and Kebbi Selected (Kaura Boys) will kick-start the tourney.
