Guardian

• Channels Kid Cup champions to tour Europe

EX-INTERNATIONAL, Davidson Owumi has described the recently concluded Delta Governor’s Cup football competition as ‘a step to greatness.’

Comprehensive Secondary School, Ogwashi Uku defeated Alegbo School Effurun 1-0 to win the maiden edition of the championship at the Warri City Stadium on Tuesday and Owumi said the revival of secondary school football by Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan should be emulated by other state governors for Nigeria football to have a fresh breath.

Owumi told The Guardian during the week that he was surprised by the huge crowd of spectators at the Warri City Stadium during the final, saying: “The students will never forget this historic day throughout their life.”

Speaking further, the former chairman of the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) said that the revival of the governor’s cup football in many states of the federation would have a positive impact on the local league and the national teams.

“If other states can emulate what Delta State has done by reviving school football, I am sure our league will be better so also the national teams. It is from school football that coaches will scout for talents for the various national teams.”

The winner of the cup will tour Europe later this year. The school got N2 million in addition to a 30-seater school bus. The second and third winners got a school bus each and cash prizes of N1million and N500, 000 respectively. Edjokota Secondary School won the third place match beating Don Domigoes at the Sapele Stadium.

Meanwhile, Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan had directed officials of the state Sports Commission to arrange a European tour for winners of the 1st National Channels Kids Cup football competition, Ogedegbe Primary School.

Chairman of Delta Sports Commissioner, Amaju Pinnick told The Guardian that the governor was excited with the performance of the kids, adding that the children did the state proud.

He said, “the governor has just directed that we should arrange a foreign tour for the kids. Some have suggested South Africa, but I think a trip to Europe will be better because it would afford them the opportunity of featuring in tournaments with their European counterparts.”

Ogedegbe Primary School defeated their Edo State opponent 4-2 at the Teslim Balogun Stadium to win the title. The kids jogged round Warri City Stadium with Governor Uduaghan before the final match of the Governor’s Cup on Tuesday.