By Yusuf A. Yusuf
Nigeria Air force U20 team NAF Cobras FC Kano emerged winner of the fourth edition of the Annual Chief of Air Staff National Peace U20 male youth football tournament, organized by African Youth Sports Federation (AYSOF) at Sani Abacha Stadium Kano state.
A total of 32 teams across the country participated in the fourth edition of the Annual Chief of Air Staff National Peace U20 Male football tournament which ended on Friday.
The champion NAF Cobras FC did not loose a single match from the group stages up to the finals and was awarded a trophy with one hundred and fifty thousand naira cash while the second runner up received one hundred thousand naira.
A special award was given to Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf for his tremendous contribution toward promoting Sport in the state.
In his remark at the closing ceremony, the Special Guest of Honour Chief of Air staff, Air Marshall Hassan Abubakar, represented by Group Captain M. Suleiman, Commander 455 Base Service Group Kano described the game as a milestone of cooperation, unity to achieve sustainable peace and security through non kinetic majors by engaging the youth especially in football and other sports.
Group Captain M. Suleiman called on youths to be good ambassadors of the state and the nation in view of their position as future leaders of tomorrow.
“The Nigerian air force is contributed through sports activities to provide security in the nation by using non kinetic approach hence in providing friendship”
He also thank the president Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his tremendous support giving to the Nigerian Air Force.
On his part, the Chief Guest of Honour His Excellency the Executive Governor of Kano state Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by Air Vice Marshal Ibrahim Umar (rtd), DG on special service to the governor said the initiative in sustaining the tournament is a shining example on how institutions can contribute to national development beyond their primary responsibilities.
He also said that at the state level, Kano state is deeply committed to youths development and promotion of sports as a tool for peace and socio economic development as Kano has a long history of nurturing talented athletes and will continue to create opportunities for teeming youths in the state.
NAF Cobras defeated KEDCO by one goal to nil and the winner will represent Nigeria at the 48th edition of the World U20 Peace football competition in Lisbon, Portugal next year.
