Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has endorsed plans for a statewide Governor’s Cup aimed at identifying and developing emerging football talents across the state’s 21 local government areas.
Governor Fintiri gave the assurance when former Super Eagles captain and Nigerian football legend, Kanu Nwankwo, and his team visited the Government House in Yola to present a proposal for the tournament.
The governor said his administration would provide the necessary support to ensure that young footballers, particularly those in rural communities, get a platform to showcase their abilities and pursue professional careers.
According to him, any government that neglects youth development through sports risks falling behind, stressing that Adamawa has abundant football talent that requires proper identification and nurturing.
Fintiri said the competition would be organised across all 21 local government areas and would culminate in a final at the new stadium being constructed by his administration, which he said was nearing completion.
He further stressed the need for transparency in the selection of participants, insisting that politics, personal connections or other considerations must not determine who takes part.
The governor said only players with genuine football potential should be selected, adding that the tournament would be properly organised and monitored by international scouts to ensure promising players are not overlooked.
He also welcomed Kanu’s proposal for a six-kilometre health awareness walk and free medical screening as part of activities around the tournament.
Fintiri urged residents, particularly those above 35 years, to regularly monitor their blood pressure and cholesterol levels and adopt preventive measures against heart-related diseases.
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The governor directed that a committee be constituted immediately to begin preparations for the Governor’s Cup and put the required arrangements in place.
Earlier, Kanu Nwankwo said he accepted the invitation to Adamawa because of the development he observed in the state under Governor Fintiri.
Kanu, who reflected on how football opened doors for him, said he wanted young people in Adamawa to have similar opportunities to develop their talents and achieve their dreams.
He explained that the Governor’s Cup would take football to communities across the 21 local government areas, where scouts would identify outstanding players for further development.
According to him, the best performers would be exposed to professional clubs and other opportunities within the football industry.
Kanu also pledged the support of his Kanu Heart Foundation for the medical component of the initiative, including free screening and assistance for people suffering from heart-related conditions.
He disclosed that the foundation had so far supported more than 700 open-heart surgeries.
Kanu proposed that the medical programme should be held around the time of the Governor’s Cup final and the commissioning or opening of the new stadium.
