Delta State capital, Asaba, went agog Wednesday with official kick off of the 2019 Stephen Keshi Football Championships with no fewer than 25 clubs from across Nigeria participating, Completesports.com reports.
The competition which has two categories; U17s and U21s, is aimed at unearthing hidden talents in the state and reliving the times and life of Stephen Keshi.
The state governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, declared the championship open at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba. But the Federal Government Technical College (FGTC) is venue for the matches
“The youths have to be engaged. Through sports, football in this instance, they can find a positive future for themselves,” Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa said
“This is reason why the state government will always encourage and engage our youths. We commend the organisers and hope more talents like our dear (late) Stephen Keshi could be discovered and nurtured.”
In the opening match of the U-17 category, Jazzy Stars of Jose defeated Igho Otegheri FC Warri 3-0.
All the goals were scored in the first half by Solomon Shom, Oladayo Olatunde (who also missed a penalty) and Daniel Johnson.
Completesports.com reports that 14 teams are competing in the U-17 category while 11 are vying for honours in the U-21 category.
The Stephen Keshi Football Championship is expected to end on Sunday September 29.
By Sab Osuji
