By Mubarak Isma’il Abubakar Madungurum
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has been urged to introduce an Under-13 National Youth League aimed at nurturing young talents in the round leather game.
The Independent mirror reports that this call was made by the former Chairman of Kano Pillars, Alhaji Babangida Umar Little, during the closing ceremony of the maiden edition of the Kwankwasiyya Under-13 Football Competition held at Mahaha Sports Complex in Kano.
Alhaji Babangida Umar Little emphasized that establishing such a league would play a vital role in discovering young talents who could go on to represent Nigeria at both national and international levels.
The former national player praised the initiative behind the competition, noting that it was designed to keep children engaged, while also fostering unity and understanding among the younger generation.
He also used the occasion to call on former footballers to seek ways to “catch them young,” as is done in other parts of the world.
Highlighting Kano’s reputation as a hub for football talent, Alhaji Babangida stressed the importance of investment from both public and private sectors in grassroots football development, stating that it would help reduce youth idleness in society.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the NFF Technical Committee, Dr. Sharif Rabi’u Inuwa Ahlan, described Kano as a center of football jugglers and encouraged stakeholders to step up efforts in developing the game.
According to him, football has become a lucrative industry, citing global stars like Ronaldo, Messi, and Sadio Mane, who rose from humble beginnings to achieve wealth and fame through the sport.
Jamilu Janwuya of Maikaba Foundation scored the winning goal in the final match against Garo Football Academy, securing his team’s victory in the first edition of the tournament.
