Aguata GSDA, Aguata on Sunday lifted the 2021 Youths Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON) U-17 football championship in Anambra after defeating GP World FA of Nnewi 4-2 on penalties.
The game ended 1-1 in regulation time and both teams needed penalty kick lottery to settle the situation in a game played at the Neros Stadium, Nanka.
In the third place match, Hark Dove FC of Awka beat Jefab FA of Nanka 3-1 to emerge third place winner in the skills packed encounter stage at the NEROS Football Stadium Nanka, Orumba North Local Government Area.
In his speech, Donatus Agu Ejidike, Pillar of Sports in Nigeria called on the Federal Government and State Governments to explore sports as a veritable tool for combating insecurity and youth restiveness.
Ejidike who was Special Guest of Honour at the event said the youth must be willingly engaged through sports activities to take them away from the lure of crime and social vices.
According to Ejidike, “everybody must wake up and explore sports as a veritable tool to curb social vices in our society.
“Nigeria today is no longer safe, this is because our youths are not gainfully engaged and employed; whereas sports is a platform to accommodate these teeming youths,” he said.
Ejidike commended the Igwe Godwin Ezeilo, the traditional ruler of Nanka Community in whose name the competition was played and the organisers for addressing the sporting demands of youths at the grassroots.
Also speaking, Rev. Fr Obinna Dike, Director of Sports Catholic Diocese of Awka said the Anambra government should develop a clear policy on sports to provide leadership for the private sector which is driving sports in the state.
Dike who is the Chairman, Anambra Independent Football League said he was impressed with the quality of the games, adding that the players would go places if well nurtured.
Victor Aniekwena, Vice Chairman Anambra State Football Association said the body will continue to provide technical and administrative support for football in the state.
YSFON in Anambra is chaired by Akonam Obiefuna, an Engineer and Sports Promoter.
