Sponsor of the annual Salvation Cup U-15 Football Championship, Dr Chris Eigbe has stated that the competition aims to imbibe the values of faith and good behaviour in youngsters, while also helping them build their talents in the round leather game.
Sports247 reports that Dr. Eigbe stated this while declaring open the comeption’s third edition at University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), where the cup donor also called for greater attention to proper management of young football talents across Nigeria.
The two-week competition got underway with a well-attended opening ceremony that was graced by the chairman of Edo State Football Association, Fred Newton Erhunmwunse, sports consultant, Prince Osazee Eweka as well as players, coaches, stakeholders and enthusiasts.
Eigbe reflected on his childhood experience while playing football on the streets, which he recalled inspired his desire to create opportunities for young talents, noting that Nigeria has many kids in communities across the country who can become top players if they are properly identified and managed.
He declared, “Competitions such as the Salvation Cup provide an avenue for young players to showcase their abilities, gain competitive experience and potentially attract opportunities to progress to higher levels of the game.
“We also have to face the importance of keeping young people positively engaged, particularly during the school holiday period.
This tournament provides children with an opportunity to remain active and focused while developing their skills, rather than being exposed to negative influences.
“There is also the importance of faith and good values in the development of young players. They must recognise God as the foundation of their lives while pursuing their football ambitions.
With that, I hope this tournament will continue to grow, while we plan for an even bigger fourth edition.”
