Emir of Ilorin gives blessing to Emirate Durbar U17 football championship

Alhaji Gambari received the organising Committee of the Championship where he recalled benefitting from such initiatives as a player and also serving as an administrator in the game

The Emir of Ilorin Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Sulu Gambari CFR has given his blessings to the maiden edition of Ilorin Emirate Durbar U-17 Football Championship.

Alhaji Gambari received the organising Committee of the Championship where he recalled benefitting from such initiatives as a player and also serving as an administrator in the game, Sportspro reports.

“At the age of 18, i was in the first Eleven playing National Competiton for Ilorin Division team combined with Offa then,” he said while also remembering his days as a Director at Stationery Stores and also in the IICC of Ibadan.

“When I was in the court of Appeal, I was also the Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA), now NFF and I was actively involved in the management of football due to the old age of the then Chairman of the NFA,” the enthused former Jury described the initiative as a good one.

Earlier in his remark, the Danmasanin of Ilorin, Engr. Suleiman Yahaya Alapansapa, who also doubles as the Chairman of Ilorin Emirate Durbar committee stated that the football tournament was organised to engage the youth in a productive venture.

Alapansapa, appreciated the Traditional ruler for his efforts in initiating and sustaining the Durbar festival, said the tournament has also provided an avenue to discover young talents and nurture them to stardom.

“This football tournament is one of the many initiatives that indicate the fact that the Durbar festival is growing from strength. Apart from the fact that our youths have been engaged through football, it has also helped in eradicating some of the social vices in the society,” he said.

The Chairman further revealed that the grand finale of the tournament will hold on Thursday, 7th of July at the main bowl of the Kwara State Stadium Complex amid thrills and funfair.

Daudu Ballah FC will be trading tackles with Balogun Ajikobi FC in the final of the football fiesta, the Balogun Gambari boys and Magaji Ngeri will square up in a battle for the third place winner.

A total number of Ten teams, named after some of the Traditional title holders in the Ilorin Emirate participated in the tournament that is expected to increase in scope and dimensions in the next edition.