Youth sports federation organises football tourney to celebrate 60th anniversary

The Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON) has announced a programme of activities to celebrate its 60th anniversary. 

In a statement on Wednesday, Patrick Okpavuerhe, YSFON national secretary, said an anniversary committee has been established to oversee the list of events.

Nasiru Gawuna, YSFON president, said the organising committee will be chaired by Johnson Akinsehinwa, the organisation’s vice president.

YSFON will host a football tournament between states and zones across the federation.

An elite squash competition will also be held alongside road walks, tree planting and mobilisation of youth on nationalism.

Gawuna said YSFON has been instrumental in developing sports in Nigeria since its inception.

“We take pride in having produced the majority of the brilliant players who led Nigeria to victory at the historic maiden FIFA Under-16 World Cup in China,” he said.

“As part of our commitment to nurturing young talents, we established the Soccer Academy in Calabar in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy and Cross River State Government.

“Our initiatives include but are not limited to the Ramat Cup in honour of the late General Murtala R. Mohammed, the Oba of Benin Under-13 Boys and Under-18 Girls Soccer Tournament honouring Oba Erediuwa 11 and the Chief of Naval Staff Under-14 Boys Soccer Tournament.

“We also organised the YSFON President’s One Day Athletics Championship, which provided a platform for youths to showcase their talents.”

YSFON was founded in April 1965 by Tony Eke, a journalist. The organisation has grown to establish branches in all 36 states and the FCT while providing initiatives shaping Nigeria’s youth and sports development landscape.