Emma Jemegs
Senator Abdul Ningi will represent the Senate President as the 3rd Senate President Cup kicks off on Sunday in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.
According to a statement by the Tournament Coordinator and National President of the Grassroots Sports Federation of Nigeria, John Ekpenyong, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports Development, Senator Abdul Ningi will represent the President of the Senate, Senator (Dr.) Godswill Obot Akpabio, at the Opening Ceremony at the Ikot Ekpene Township Stadium, Akwa Ibom State.
According to Ekpenyong, this year’s edition is bigger, more competitive and more rewarding. Over 500 young talents will be on parade, with National U-17 coaches and international scouts present to pick the next generation of Super Eagles.
Speaking ahead of the kick-off, Hon. Ekpenyong said, “This tournament is the legacy of His Excellency, Senator Godswill Akpabio, who for over 15 years has used football to unite Nigeria and empower the youth. From his days as Governor, when he made Akwa Ibom the home of sports, to his time as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, where he sponsored the Niger Delta Peace Cup, to now as Senate President. He is a father of grassroots sports.
“We are grateful that despite his tight national schedule, he has graciously mandated Senator Abdul Ningi, a respected sports lover and Chairman of the Senate Sports Committee, to be his representative. This shows how much he values grassroots sports.”
He revealed that the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Grassroots Sports Development, Prince Adeyinka Adeboye, will be in attendance at the opening ceremony, while Mr. Seyi Tinubu would be honoured as the Best Grassroots Sports Personality at the Grand Finale on 1st November, 2026.
