By Nkechi Eze
A new grassroots football initiative aimed at nurturing young boys through sports and mentorship has been launched in New Nyanya, Nasarawa State, with organisers positioning the competition as a platform for character building and talent discovery.
The tournament, organised by the Great Achievers Initiative for Youth and Community Development (GAIYD), began on April 23 and will run through May 16, culminating in a grand finale to commemorate the International Day of the Boy Child.
The opening match between Government Secondary School Nyanya Gbagyi and God’s Grace International Academy set an energetic tone for the competition, with both sides displaying determination and competitive intensity.
Eight schools are participating in the maiden edition, including GSS Nyanya Gbagyi, Winning Ways Academy, BRI Mike Montessori Academy, God’s Grace International Academy, Bill Clinton College, GSS Bakin Ado, Mon Dieu Montessori Academy, and GSS Karu East.
Early fixtures have already begun shaping the competition. In Group A, GSS Nyanya Gbagyi leads the standings after a convincing 3–0 victory, followed by Winning Ways Academy, which secured a narrow 1–0 win. BRI Mike Montessori Academy and God’s Grace International Academy are yet to secure points.
In Group B, Bill Clinton College tops the table with a dominant 3–0 performance, while GSS Bakin Ado sits in second place after edging their opponents 2–1. Mon Dieu Montessori Academy and GSS Karu East trail following opening match defeats.
Speaking on the initiative, GAIYD President Hillary Akpua, represented by Vice President Alaneme Toochuckwu, said the competition was designed to instill discipline, moral values, and a sense of responsibility in young boys.
He explained that the organisation remains committed to shaping the boy-child into responsible members of society, adding that the tournament serves as both a sporting and mentoring platform.
“This football match is organised to bring boys together and guide them on how to live with integrity so they can contribute positively to society,” he said.
Akpua also highlighted the broader role of sports in youth development, noting that structured activities help keep young people physically fit and mentally engaged, while reducing exposure to negative influences such as drug abuse and other social vices.
He assured that adequate safety measures have been implemented, including first aid services and security presence at the venue throughout the tournament.
Also speaking, tournament coordinator Omotoyosi Yusuf described the initiative as a response to the growing need to refocus attention on the development of the boy-child.
“Football is something they naturally connect with, so it provides an opportunity to engage them meaningfully while also mentoring and sensitising them,” he said.
Yusuf noted that the competition marks the organisation’s first major football initiative, with plans already underway to expand participation in future editions.
“We currently have eight teams, but we plan to increase it to 16 and grow it into a widely recognised competition,” he added.
He further disclosed that winners will receive cash prizes, with ₦100,000 for first place, ₦80,000 for second, and ₦70,000 for third, alongside individual honours including player of the tournament and highest goal scorer.
Reacting after his team’s victory, captain of GSS Bakin Ado, Nelson Desmond Ifeanyi, expressed optimism about their chances of reaching the final, urging his teammates to remain focused.
Similarly, Mon Dieu Montessori Academy player Abraham Isaac commended the organisers despite his team’s loss, describing the tournament as a valuable opportunity for growth and exposure.
With matches continuing weekly at the Nyanya Gbagyi Football Pitch, the competition is fast emerging as a promising avenue for discovering young football talents while reinforcing positive values and discipline among students.
