South South States Football Association Commends Gov Diri Passion for Sports
The South South States Football Association of the Nigeria Football Federation has given thumbs up to governor Douye Diri for his continuous passion for the development of sports in the country.
The Association gave the commendation in a communiqué issued in Yenagoa at the end of the South South U:18 Football Tournament in Bayelsa State.
The communiqué signed by the Secretary South South States Football Association Mr. Greg Abang on behalf of the body appreciated Governor Diri for sponsoring the first South South U 18 championship in Bayelsa State, describing the governor’s unparalleled desire for sports as laudable.
According to the forum it was agreed that the U:18 tournament would be held twice a year with Cross Rivers state given the right to host the next edition by the last quarter of 2024 in a bid to keep the youths busy and sustain the development of talents in the region.
They equally congratulated the Super Eagles of Nigeria for their superlative performance at the just concluded 2023 Africa Cup of Nation’s hosted by Ivory Coast.
The South South football family said they are willing to work with the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation to move football to an enviable height in the zone.
The forum commiserated with the family and the Edo State Football Association over the demise of the Vice Chairman of the Edo FA, Mr Kindness Ohiowele who prior to his death was the leader of the delegation of Edo state contingent to the U:18 tournament.
They prayed to the almighty God to give the Ohiowele’s family the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.
In the meantime, Rivers State have emerged champions of the South South U:18 championship hosted in Yenagoa the Bayelsa State capital after days of hostilities at the Biogbolo/Yenizuegene Community Secondary School field.
Rivers State beat Cross Rivers 6-5 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time in the battle of Rivers.
In the losers final Edo State beat Bayelsa 5-4 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in regulation time.
