Enabulele Unveils Grassroots Football Tournament as Westgate FC Qualifies for Federation Cup

The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has reaffirmed his commitment to grassroots football development in Edo State with plans to organize a local football tournament aimed at discovering and nurturing young talents across the state.

Enabulele made this known on Thursday while receiving the management and coaching crew of Westgate FC at the Commission’s office in Benin City following the club’s qualification for the ongoing Nigeria Football Federation President Federation Cup.

The club visited the Sports Commission to formally notify the Chairman of their qualification and recent victory over an Enugu-based side during the playoff stage of the competition.

Speaking during the visit, Enabulele congratulated the team on the achievement and urged the players and officials to remain focused and ambitious as they continue their Federation Cup campaign.

According to him, the competition offers the players an opportunity to showcase their talents on a national stage while proudly representing Edo State.

“I challenge you to set targets for yourselves and aim far in this competition. You are no longer representing yourselves alone, but Edo State. I expect you to prove critics wrong by going beyond the Round of 32,” he stated.

The Sports Commission boss also stressed the importance of discipline, unity, and professionalism, urging the players to avoid distractions and remain committed to their goals.

Enabulele further disclosed that the Commission is working on a broader grassroots football development strategy in collaboration with the Edo State Football Association to identify and promote local talents.

He revealed plans to organize a statewide football tournament in July involving grassroots clubs across Edo State, noting that the competition would serve as a scouting platform for talented players capable of breaking into professional football.

According to him, the initiative aligns with Governor Monday Okpebholo’s grassroots-driven sports development agenda.

“When I came on board, I noticed there were very few Edo players in some of our clubs. We must promote our own talents. That is why we want to organize this tournament with the FA to discover players from grassroots clubs,” he explained.

Enabulele noted that the competition would focus more on talent discovery than prize money, adding that the objective is to create opportunities for young footballers to build professional careers.

“If we can discover 10 or 20 players who can move into professional football, then we have achieved something meaningful for Edo sports,” he added.

He cited players from Bendel Insurance F.C. who rose through similar scouting opportunities, insisting that many hidden talents still exist within local football structures in Edo State.

The Sports Commission Chairman also assured Westgate FC of continued support throughout their Federation Cup campaign and urged the club to maintain high standards on and off the pitch.

Speaking on behalf of the club, Team Manager Kolade Kehinde appreciated Enabulele for the warm reception and his efforts toward repositioning sports development in Edo State.

Westgate FC qualified for the competition after finishing second behind Bendel Insurance FC during the Edo State qualifying series.

The club also recorded an impressive 2-0 victory over Amanda FC in the preliminary round at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium to seal qualification for the next stage of the competition.