By Ibrahim Tukur

The Borno State Club Owners Association has organized a football competition tagged “Ambassador Bala Geidam Football Competition” to unify youths against social vices.

The competition, organized in collaboration with the Borno State Football Association, features 90 football clubs in a knockout stage.

According to Coach Ishaq Mohammed, Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, the competition aims to recognize the efforts of the Borno State government in resettlement and youth engagement across various local government areas.

He noted that due to the high number of interested clubs, only 90 teams were registered for the first round, with more to be included in subsequent stages.

Ambassador Bala Geidam, CEO of Septagon Security Guard, emphasized the importance of collective efforts in curbing youth restlessness, stating that “government alone cannot do it all.”

He announced that outstanding players will be offered automatic employment in his security company to reduce joblessness and promote independence.

The competition is taking place at the Ramat Square Football field in Maiduguri, with thousands of supporters and spectators in attendance.

During the opening ceremony, CP Police Machine defeated FC Septagon by 1-0.

Ambassador Geidam commended the efforts of the Honourable Commissioner of the Ministry of Youths Empowerment and Sports Development, Comrade Saina Buba, for supporting the youths in the state under the leadership of Professor Babagana Umara Zulum.

Despite being the epicenter of Boko Haram insurgency in North East Nigeria, the football competition aims to turn youths away from social vices, promoting discipline and understanding through the unifying factor of football.