A highlight of the event was the presence of Gbandi-Ojiodu Diaspora Football Outreach lead Ambassador, Andrew Uwe, the former captain of the Flying Eagles during the FIFA U-20 World Cup in the USSR in 1985. Now an accomplished coach with both a German Elite License and UEFA B License, Uwe brought a wealth of experience and inspiration to the young players. Alongside Uwe was Coach Henry Ambrose, another UEFA B License coach, who shared insights about the role of GO Diasporas Football Outreach and the future of football development and talent identification in Nigeria. The Gombe State Principal’s Cup football competition has concluded on a high note, showcasing the vibrant talents of young athletes and the power of sports to inspire and unite. This annual Inter-Secondary Schools football tournament, a flagship event under Green White Green Sports Centre Ltd, was marked by the active participation of over 100 schools across the state and attracted thousands of spectators, including government officials, sports journalists, and international scouts.
The tournament provided a platform for these seasoned professionals to engage with the emerging generation of footballers. Uwe’s presence was not just symbolic but practical, as he and Coach Ambrose presented sports articles to participants, reinforcing the importance of grassroots sports development. Speaking to journalists, Uwe emphasized the critical role of early talent identification and structured training programs in shaping the future of Nigerian football which GO Diaspora Football Outreach epitomized.
Coach Henry Ambrose also highlighted the broader objectives of the GO Diaspora initiative, in collaboration with Green White Green Sports Centre Ltd. He announced that standout players from the competition would be offered further opportunities, including training programs in Germany and even scholarships to study and play football in Europe. “This is not just about football; it’s about creating a pathway for young talents to achieve their dreams while receiving an education,” he stated.
Hon. Kenneth Gbandi, the Global Coordinator of GO-Football Outreach, expressed immense satisfaction with the success of the tournament. In his address, Gbandi commended the organizational efforts of Green White Green Sports Centre Ltd under the leadership of Ahmed Shuaibu Gara Gombe. He praised the tournament as a model for how sports can serve as a tool for youth empowerment and community development in Nigeria.
“The GO Diaspora initiative aims to scout football talent and empower youth for a brighter future. In today’s Nigeria, plagued with social vices, fostering resilience, teaching teamwork, and creating opportunities are more important than ever. This cannot be left to the government alone,” Gbandi remarked. He also extended his gratitude to the people of Gombe for their warm reception and to the German partners and sponsors who contributed sports articles for GO Diaspora Football initiative. Special thanks were given to Andreas Guba for his outstanding efforts in coordinating sponsorships.
The Principal’s Cup was not only a celebration of football but also a testament to the transformative power of sports. The young athletes displayed exceptional skills, with many showing promise for a future in professional football. The tournament underscored the potential of initiatives like GO Diaspora to bridge the gap between grassroots talent and international opportunities, fostering a new generation of football stars while addressing broader social and developmental challenges.
As the dust settles on this year’s competition, the legacy of the Principal’s Cup and its role in empowering the youth of Gombe State will undoubtedly endure. With continued support and collaboration, the vision of nurturing young talents and providing them with global opportunities is steadily becoming a reality.
Mike Okolie
AH-Sports Editor
