ISELE-UKU/Nigeria: Talented footballers in Issele-Uku community, Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, have appealed for sponsorship and improved sporting facilities to enable them develop their skills and compete at higher levels.
The appeal followed a community football tournament which commenced on February 15 and concluded on March 1, attracting several teams and large numbers of football enthusiasts who gathered to witness the matches.
At the end of the competition, Future Star FC emerged champions, securing the first position and receiving a cash prize of ₦60,000, while Living World FC finished in second place and was awarded ₦40,000.
Speaking during the event, the host of the competition and a football coach, Evangelist Levi Dominic, said the community is blessed with many talented footballers but lacks the necessary support and infrastructure to nurture them.
According to him, despite the abundance of football talent in the area, the absence of sponsors and a standard football pitch has significantly limited the players’ opportunities to grow and participate in bigger competitions.
He noted that the players involved in the tournament included teenagers, youths and older football enthusiasts who share a deep passion for the game and aspire to advance their careers in football.
However, he said many of them remain confined to grassroots competitions due to lack of financial support and inadequate sporting facilities.
Evangelist Dominic commended the Chairman of Aniocha North Local Government for the developmental strides recorded so far, while appealing for additional support to help nurture the emerging football talents in the community.
He also called on well-meaning individuals and indigenes of Issele-Uku, particularly those in the diaspora who are passionate about football, to support the players by sponsoring tournaments and contributing to the development of a standard football pitch in the community.
According to him, with proper sponsorship and encouragement, many of the talented players in Issele-Uku would have the opportunity to compete in other cities and represent their community with pride on bigger platforms.
