By Chiangi Avese, Makurdi
The Chairman, Benue State Football Association, BSFA, Barr. Paul Edeh has said his vision to grow football at the grassroots is already paying off as three outstanding players discovered at the just concluded BSFA Chairman’s Cup competition have been signed by Lobi Stars football club.
Barr. Eden who made this known in a statement said, “I heartily rejoice with the Benue Football Family and am happy to share the good news of the most recent success story”.
“I feel the need to share this news with you all because you all have continued to show glowing support to the Benue State Football Association (BSFA), especially in our quest to grow the game of football at the grassroots in Benue State”.
The BSFA Chairman who pledged his continued commitment to the development of the game recalled his inaugural declaration, “to run an investment-driven, self-sustaining and Impactful Football Association committed to fair play, accountability and focus on grassroots football development in pursuit of FIFA, CAF, WAFU and NFF mandate”.
Barr. Eden said it was keeping in line with the vision that the BSFA Board organised the first-ever BSFA Chairman’s Cup, a grassroots-based football competition that drew participation from the 23 Local Government Areas of the State. 189 clubs participated and record players were engaged during the tournament.
“I’m happy to note that out of the over 5,670 players that participated in the tournament, three very exceptional players were scouted by Lobi Stars and will be signed to join the team this weekend”, the Chairman said.
According to the Chairman, “a good number of those who joined the Lobi Stars U17 team are products of the grassroots-based competition”.
The BSFA boss expressed his deep appreciation to the Vice Chairman of Lobi Stars, Dominic Iorfa for staying true and committed to the vision of the BSFA which aims at growing the game of football at the grassroots in the State.
There are many take-home from these signings by Lobi Stars. Firstly, all three Local Council FAs and the three teams that the three players come from will benefit financially as they will all be paid by Lobi Stars to clear the players.
“The players will get an opportunity to express their God-given talents at the national stage and who knows, at the international stage too. Their financial status will change as they will join the rank of monthly salary earners”.
The Chairman said as the model of grassroots football development is coming to the limelight, Lobi Stars and other football clubs across Nigeria will benefit immensely.
“The glory days of football in Benue State is gradually being restored”, Barr. Eden enthused.
