.Imrana Yakubu Galaje.
Water FC Abuja has officially launched a landmark Under-13 football development programme aimed at discovering and nurturing young talents across Nigeria’s Northeast region.
Speaking during the tournament, representative of the Chairman, Faisal Ahmed Hassan, expressed appreciation to the Chairman of Water FC Abuja, Nureni Makanjuola, for his unwavering commitment to grassroots football development.
He described Makanjuola as one of the key figures contributing to youth football in Nigeria through his efforts in creating opportunities for talented players and facilitating their exposure to football clubs in cities such as London and Istanbul.
According to the organisers, the Under-13 initiative is designed to revive grassroots football in the Northeast, where youth football development has experienced challenges in recent years.
They also disclosed that the Chairman and Vice Chairman of Adamu Jumba FC Bauchi will soon be officially invited to the inauguration of the Water FC Under-13 programme in Bauchi.
The organisers expressed confidence that the programme will serve as a platform for identifying and developing future Nigerian football stars capable of playing for top European clubs.
The tournament featured eight teams from across the Northeast and was held at the Games Village in Bauchi State.
In the final, Cornerstone FC defeated Kofar Wambai Football Academy 4–2 on penalties after a closely contested match to emerge champions.Faisal Ahmed Hassan also announced that every participating club received customised match balls.
The tournament champions were presented with a championship trophy, a premium match ball, and a cash prize to support their training activities.
The cash prize was personally sponsored by Alhaji Safiyanu Chilevert, Chairman of Adamu Jumba FC Bauchi.
The organisers congratulated Cornerstone FC on their impressive achievement and confirmed that this was the maiden edition of the tournament, with plans to make it an annual youth football competition across the Northeast.
