By Ibrahim Tukur

The maiden edition of the Borno State Under-17 Football Competition has reached its final stage, with FC Kanurai and FC Karimu Academy emerging as the finalists. 
 
The competition, organised by the Borno State Sports Council, aims to engage young talents and select the best players to represent the state at the upcoming National Youth Games and National Sports Festival.
 
FC Karimu Academy defeated Unique Spectacles 3-1 in the first semi-final, while FC Kanurai maintained their unbeaten record by defeating FC Cazoo 4-3 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw.
 
The competition, which started with 34 teams, has been played at various venues, including Ramat Square Football Field and Metro Police Barracks Football Field.
 
Hundreds of supporters and spectators have enjoyed the display of skills and talents by the players.
 
The Chairman of the Borno State Professional Footballers Association, Ambassador Usman Ibrahim Danjuma Elduim, who attended the semi-finals, expressed his joy and happiness with the players’ performances and awarded Ahmed Mohammed of FC Kanurai a new football boot. 
 
He commended the efforts of the organisers for engaging youths and discovering young talents.
 
“Borno State is blessed with a lot of talented players, but they can only be identified through organising this kind of competition. I personally commend the efforts of the organisers. Remember these young talents that I saw today? Their sky is their limit with this kind of skill I witnessed today.” Amb. Usman concluded.
 
The final match between FC Karimu Academy and FC Kanurai will be announced soon. 
 
Coaches under the Borno State Sports Council have already selected players to represent the state at the upcoming Zonal Team Sports in Taraba State.