Organisers of the ongoing 18th edition of U-16 Inter State Emeka Anyoku Cup have commended 120 teams across geo-political zones of Nigeria for their spirit of sportsmanship exhibited since the annual tournament kicked some weeks ago across various zones.
The annual football tourney is being honoured after former Secretary General of Commonwealth Nations,Chief Emeka Anyaoku,GCON.
Commenting on the competition so far, Chairman National Youths Soccer Association, Rev Paul Freeman expressed his satisfaction with the conduct of the teams during and after their match noted that the competition has not only lived up to expectations but well organised and coordinated in various zones.
He also commended the match officials for their unbiased officiating and congratulated the qualifying teams for their impressive performance to reach the final stage.
‘This is well organised competition and I must commend other members of the organising committee for the job well done in other zones.I also want to specially thank the Chief Emeka Anyaoku for his commitment to the football development in Nigeria and I must commend him for sustaining this tournament in the last 17 years,”he said.
Meanwhile, a total of 120 teams across six geo-political zones of the country kicked off the tournament.The two finalists in each zone would qualify for the Round of 16, which holds in Lagos in April.
In the South West zone, Oluyole Football Academy from Oyo and Olumo Rock Football Academy from Ogun have qualified,while Ikeduru United FA from Imo State and Osumenyi Football Academy Anambra State will represent the South East.
In South-South, Ekpoma United FA from Edo State and Ogboro Babes FA from Bayelsa State would represent the zone in Lagos.
The other qualifying teams from three region zones in the North would be decided after the Ramadan festival.
The organisers announced that the round of 16 football format would kick off in Lagos in April.