1,000 schools hunt for glory as National Principal’s Cup finals looms

It will be battle to finish ahead of the national finals of the 2nd edition of the National Principal’s Cup with over 1000 schools across the country battle one another.

The National Principal’s Cup, revived by the Sports Minister Sunday Dare kicked off from the state level on Thursday, the 24th of November 2022, before moving to the zonal finals.

This 2nd edition, aims to replicate the success of the first edition that was held in 2021. The first edition, amongst other successes, produced a player Onuche Ogbelu who went on to represent Nigeria’s U-20 men’s National Team, the Flying Eagles, where he helped the team win the WAFU U20 tourney.

During the first edition of the National Principal’s Cup, he represented eventual football champions, FOSLA Academy and has now gone on to sign for NPFL side, Nassarawa United.

Minister for Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare stated that his administration will continue to prioritise grassroots development, as it remains the fulcrum of his mandate.

Dare said, “we are glad about the 2nd edition of the National Principal’s Cup, as we have had to plan amidst our very tight schedules in the Ministry with the National Sports Festival in sight.”

“However, we have a clear vision to keep unearthing and nurturing talents. For our sports to keep growing, the production pipeline must keep churning out talents.”

After the State finals, the competition will go to the zonal level between December 11-15th, before the national finals is held between 18 - 22nd January, 2023.