The Akwa Ibom State Football Association (AKSFA) has intensified its grassroots development push, extending the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Schools Football Development Initiative to more institutions across the state.

On Thursday, 26 March 2026, the FA delegation visited Methodist Boys High School, Oron, and Community Comprehensive Secondary School, Four Towns, Uyo, where footballs were presented to support sports development and boost student participation.

Speaking during the outreach, AKSFA Chairman, Samuel Umoh, explained that the gesture forms part of a broader CAF-backed programme implemented through the Nigeria Football Federation.

He noted that beneficiary schools were selected based on their strong sporting culture and active involvement in school competitions.

“I bring you good tidings from CAF, the NFF and the Akwa Ibom State FA. Your school has been recognised for its sporting prowess and selected to benefit from this initiative aimed at reviving sports in schools,” Umoh said.

Umoh further revealed that the FA’s Secondary School Invitational Tournament has been instrumental in identifying promising schools, with Methodist Boys High School among the participants that earned recognition.

Encouraging the students, he stressed the importance of discipline and balancing academics with sport.

“You can succeed in both your studies and football. Stay committed, train hard, and this is only the beginning—more support will follow,” he added.

He also expressed optimism that such initiatives could pave the way for students to represent Nigeria through future school-based national team selections.

The delegation included FA board members and Local Football Council chairmen from Oron and Mbo, who were warmly received by school principals—Mr Effiong Okon Ima and Pastor Ime Tom Ekpo—alongside enthusiastic students.

Both schools expressed gratitude to CAF and the NFF for the intervention, pledging to make effective use of the equipment.

The latest distribution follows a similar exercise earlier in the week at State College, Ikot Ekpene, as AKSFA continues its drive to strengthen grassroots football development across Akwa Ibom State. (LEADERSHIP)

Update news