Taraba State born international footballer and FC Torpedo-Belaz striker, Stephen Alfred, has called on the state government to urgently revive sports activities, particularly football, in the state.
Alfred made the appeal at the weekend during a novelty football match he organised in Jalingo, the state capital, to rekindle interest in sports development, reconnect with former teammates, and promote grassroots football.
The professional footballer, who currently plays in Belarus, expressed sadness over the collapse of both the Taraba male football club and the female team.
He passionately appealed to the state governor, Agbu Kefas, to take immediate steps to revive the teams and restore the state’s sporting glory.
Answering questions from sports journalists, Alfred said the initiative was part of his commitment to giving back to his roots, discovering young talents, and advocating for aggressive sports development in Taraba State and Nigeria as a whole.
The novelty match, held at the C2C Sports Arena in Jalingo, featured former teammates and football enthusiasts in a display of unity and renewed passion for the game.
The event attracted a large crowd, with the C2C Sports Arena filled to capacity as fans relived memories of the state’s once-vibrant sports culture.
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Former teammates commended Alfred for spearheading the initiative and motivating young players to pursue their football ambitions.
As part of the programme, Alfred distributed sports kits to young players and his former teammates.
He also used the occasion to wish the Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles, success at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The novelty match provided both entertainment and a platform to renew calls for unity and sustained commitment to sports development in Taraba State.
The entertaining encounter ended in a 4–3 victory for Team Stephen Alfred over Team Jalingo.
