Football took centre stage in Jalingo on Sunday as Adamawa United and the Taraba State Youth Agency Team met in a novelty match at the Jolly Nyame Stadium.
The encounter provided a platform for young footballers to showcase their talents while promoting friendship, youth development and stronger sporting ties between Taraba and neighbouring Adamawa State.
Speaking during the event, Chairman of the Taraba State Sports Commission, Coach Bulus Husseini, expressed delight over the initiative.
He said sports would continue to receive attention in Taraba State and highlighted Governor Agbu Kefas’ commitment to youth development, particularly through sports.
Coach Husseini also commended the Chairman of the Taraba State Youth Development Agency, Hon. Prince Gara Soyongha Nonga, for supporting initiatives that create opportunities for young people.
The Secretary of the Sports Commission, Mr. Alex Maiangwa, described Taraba youths as highly talented.
He said more opportunities such as the novelty match would help young footballers develop their skills, gain exposure and take their talents to higher levels.
Coordinator of the Jalingo Champions League Project, Mr. Jacob Hakuri Tizhe, said the initiative goes beyond football.
He explained that the match was also designed to strengthen youth collaboration, friendship and sporting relationships between Taraba and its neighbouring states.
He added that the positive response to the initiative showed the growing interest in using sports to bring young people together and create meaningful opportunities.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports, Hon. Bonwilliams Emmanuel, called for stronger collaboration between government and the private sector to further develop sports in Taraba.
He noted that the state is blessed with talented young people and stressed the importance of creating platforms where their abilities can be discovered, nurtured and showcased.
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of gifts by officials of Adamawa United to officials of the Taraba State Sports Commission, symbolising friendship, goodwill and stronger sporting ties between the two states.
The match ended in a draw, with both teams displaying skill, enthusiasm and sportsmanship.
Held courtesy of Hon. Prince Gara Soyongha Nonga, Chairman, Taraba State Youth Development Agency, the encounter further demonstrated the power of football to promote youth development, friendship and unity.
Today’s match has been concluded, while details of subsequent matches will be communicated as the activities continue.
