USA Scholarship beckons for students as National Secondary School Tournament kickoff in Abuja

By Dayo Awoniyi

Over 100 Nigerian students are set to compete in the maiden edition of the National Secondary School Invitational Football Tournament, with a unique opportunity to earn scholarships to study in the United States.

The tournament, scheduled to hold from February 21-23, 2025, at the Family Worship Center pitch in Abuja, aims to discover talented young footballers and provide them with a platform to combine their passion for football with education.

According to Emmanuel Babayaro, CEO of the Godfather Emmanuel Babayaro Foundation and a 1996 Olympic medalist, the tournament is designed to provide a pathway for Nigerian students to access scholarships to study in the USA.

“We want to give these young talents the opportunity to pursue their dreams in football while also getting an education,” Babayaro said.

“Our partnership with USA colleges will provide them with a unique opportunity to study and play football in the United States.”

The tournament has attracted the support of First Generation Mortgage Bank (FGM), which has pledged to support the initiative.

“We believe that investing in the future of our young people is crucial for the development of our country,” said Mr. Nelson John, Group Head of FGM.

“We are proud to support this initiative and look forward to seeing the impact it will have on the lives of these young talents.”

The tournament will feature eight teams, including six invited schools and two wild card entries. A scout appointed by the USA colleges will be on hand to identify talented players who will be eligible for the scholarship program.

With the tournament set to kick off on February 21, the stage is set for an exciting competition that will not only showcase the talents of Nigerian students but also provide them with a life-changing opportunity to study and play football in the United States.