A grassroots football championship organised by African Sports Academy (ASAF) has officially kicked off in Abuja.
The competition which is currently taking place inside MKO Abiola National stadium attracted dignitaries from all walks of life, including participating teams.
At the flag-off ceremony of the annual event on Monday December 9, 2019, ASAF President Engr Danlami Iliya, described sports as a valuable asset to mankind which help to improve healthy living and physical fitness.
On the import of the grassroots programme, Engr Iliya said, “The main aim of the foundation, among others, is to discover young skilled athletes, talented footballers, and groom them in the area of sport education, forward them to international standard so as to promote and develop grassroots sports in our country, Nigeria.
“Furthermore, the foundation has been endorsed by the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, to carry out sporting programmes, and to empower youths at the grassroots level, thereby engaging them in meaningful livelihood as against indulging in terrorism, social vices such as rape, robbery, drug addiction, cyber-crime, etc .
In the opening encounter of the completion, Shinning stars beat Pacesetters 2-0.
The final of this edition will happen on Wednesday December 11.
