The Akwa Ibom State Football Association has lauded Flying Eagles head coach, Aliyu Zubair, and the organisers of the TP Sports U20 Scouting Program for their commitment to youth football development in Nigeria. The program, held at the Uyo Township Stadium from Friday, June 20 to Saturday, June 21, 2025, attracted notable stakeholders and provided a platform for emerging talents to showcase their skills.
In an official statement, the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State FA, Mr. Samuel Umoh, praised Coach Zubair’s leadership and dedication to unearthing young football talent across the country.
“Coach Aliyu Zubair has demonstrated admirable commitment through his nationwide talent hunt. His passion and focus are commendable, and we believe this proactive approach will significantly strengthen our U20 team ahead of the WAFU U20 tournament and the FIFA U20 World Cup,” Umoh stated.
He also expressed appreciation for the involvement of football legend and NFF Technical Committee member, Victor Ikpeba, alongside top-tier coaches such as Abia Warriors’ head coach Imama Amapakabo, Kennedy Boboye, and Mr. Paul Ojo and his TP Sports team for organising the impactful event.
“This scouting program provided a rare opportunity for young players in Akwa Ibom and beyond to be assessed by national team selectors. Initiatives like this are vital for sustained football development in our region,” Umoh noted.
On the home front, Mr. Umoh thanked the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, for attending the program’s opening day and acknowledged NFF Executive Board Member, Otuekong Nse Essien, for his consistent support for grassroots and elite football growth in the state.
“The contributions of Elder Paul Bassey and Otuekong Nse Essien continue to shape the future of football in Akwa Ibom. Their unwavering support provides a solid foundation for success,” he said.
He further extended gratitude to the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, for his role in driving positive reforms and inclusive football development across the country.
“Under Alhaji Gusau’s leadership, we’ve witnessed measurable progress across all levels of Nigerian football. The support for initiatives like the TP Sports program highlights the NFF’s renewed commitment to grassroots empowerment and national team excellence,” Umoh added.
The TP Sports U20 Scouting Program featured over ten youth teams from within and outside Akwa Ibom State. Players competed under the watchful eyes of Coach Zubair and his technical team, as they continue to scout for new talents to bolster the Flying Eagles squad ahead of global and regional competitions.
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