Akwa Ibom State FA launches tournament to discover future Super Eagles stars like William Troost-Ekong
The Akwa Ibom State Football Association, under the leadership of Mr. Samuel Umoh, is set to host a groundbreaking tournament aimed at unearthing football talents who could follow in the footsteps of Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong.
The tournament, tagged the ‘Obong Isong Isang Memorial Championship,’ will bring together some of the state’s top football academies to compete for glory while showcasing promising young talents. The initiative reflects the FA’s commitment to grassroots football development and talent identification.
The Akwa Ibom-born defender, Troost-Ekong, who hails from Etinan, serves as a symbol of hope for aspiring footballers in the South-South state.
The Super Eagles captain was recently shortlisted for the 2024 African Best Men’s Player of the Year Award, further inspiring the next generation of talents from his home state.
The tournament will run from November 2nd to 9th at the Uyo Township Stadium and feature notable football academies, including: Blessed Stars Academy, Eagle Eyes Academy, Immortality FC, Pillars Investors Academy, Full Life Academy and a host of others to be unveiled at the draw ceremony next week.
The championship will adopt a knockout format, ensuring intense competition as the teams battle for the top prize and a chance to make an impression on scouts and coaches.
Nsikakabasi Akpan Praises Akwa Ibom FA for Revitalizing Grassroots Football
SportsRation correspondent Nsikakabasi Akpan has commended the Akwa Ibom State FA for organizing the tournament, hailing it as a significant step toward revitalizing grassroots football in the state.
“This tournament has brought life back to grassroots football in Akwa Ibom,” Akpan noted. “It will not only provide exposure for young talents but also create a pathway for them to represent the state and the country in the future.”
Akpan believes that the Obong Isong Isang Memorial Championship will help nurture the next generation of stars, following in the footsteps of William Troost-Ekong and other Nigerian football heroes. He expressed hope that many of the young players competing in the tournament will one day wear the national colours for the Super Eagles.
This initiative by the Akwa Ibom State Football Association is poised to leave a lasting legacy, creating opportunities for young footballers and promoting the growth of football in the State.
