Moses Orkuma Unity football tournament kicks-off May 14

The 5th edition of the annual Moses Orkuma Unity Cup football competition for youth football clubs in Benue

State will kick-off on Saturday, May 14 at the famous JS Tarka township stadium in Gboko,

The grassroots tournament which debuted in 2017 is bankrolled by a former Nigerian junior international Moses Terese Orkuma who currently plays for UMM Salal in Qatar.

The competition is a platform for talented players to be scouted by European and African agents who are FIFA licensed.

A total of 16 youth teams will slug it out for the giant trophy and cash prizes at this year’s edition.

The

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Organising Committee, John Tim said Benue Pro, Makurdi, Lobi Penguins FC, St. Michaels F C Ameladu, Santana FC Ugba, Santana FC Gboko, Young Stars FC Gboko, Tarka FC Annune, Mighty Juniors Gboko, Strikers FC Gboko and BAA FC Gboko are among the teams that will be featuring in the competition.

Others are Eleven Stars FC Gboko, City Rovers FC Gboko, FC Basil Gboko, Moses Orkuma Friends FC, Super Stars Academy Gboko and Flight U-17 Academy Gboko.

Speaking to Daily Trust, the sponsor of the tournament, Orkuma who was a member of the Flying Eagles squad to the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Turkey said it is his own way of giving back to the society.

“God has been kind to me so the only way I can appreciate his goodness is to help youths who are talented in football to realise their dreams.

“Although it has not been easy, with the help of God and support from other well wishers, I have sponsored this tournament since 2017 and I have no intention to quit any time soon,” he said.

The opening match will be between Benue Pro FC Makurdi and Moses Orkuma Friends FC Gboko tomorrow at JS Tarka stadium, the once dreaded home ground of defunct BCC Lions.