The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has been charged to ensure timely completion of the upgrading work already commenced at the MOPOL Play Pitch in Nyanya, Abuja.
The CEO of Biogen Nigeria Limited, Mr. Favour Ekene Onyejiaka, made the call during the opening ceremony of the 2023 edition of the Veterans’ Football Tournament held recently.
He said the inherent power of football, which according to him is not just the number one sport in Nigeria; but a game that has more than anything helped in fostering unity among Nigerians.
He said a timely completion of the project will be a game changer for the development of football talents in the Nyanya and environ.
“We were told that the pitch will soon have an Astro Artificial turf laid on it. Completing the work will no doubt be the game changer. More youths within Nyanya and Mararaba axis will be attracted to play here, and we would have succeeded in taking a lot of them off criminal and other social vices that are now pervasive in this area.
“It could also be a major source of wealth creation, youth employment and more. But it’s of essence that the bare ground here is given the desired attention. We heard the plan is to lay an artificial turf, and our fervent prayer is for the job to be completed in good time, and let it be of good quality,” Onyejiaka said.
The Veterans’ Football Tournament, now in its 7th edition, is open to only veteran players of the round leather game who are aged 40 and above, and being one of such players, who had in their prime played for various amateur sides in Abuja; Mr. Onyejiaka said he will work with the organisers to expand the scope of the sponsorship.
“I am pleased the opening weekend has gone well, without any hitch or notable injury. But as you can see, the goal is to use it as a rallying point for all former footballers in the FCT, and the dozens of former players around here, or playing for their respective teams, has been tremendous”.
Sixteen teams, divided into four groups, are taking part in this year’s competition.