The Anambra Football Association (ANFA) says it will collaborate with the Tiger Beer company to develop its grassroots football with the company’s “Street Football” tournament.
The state FA Chairman, Chikelue Iloenyosi made the promise on Sunday in Awka, after the finals of the Tiger Street Football Tournament.
“I am very happy that the Premium Tiger Lager Beer organised the five-a-side football tournament to discover young talented footballers in Anambra.
“The government and FA of Anambra had supported the company to make the championship a huge success.
“Therefore, we are ready to support the Premium Tiger Larger Beer in the development of our grassroots football to catch young talented future footballers for Anambra and Nigeria,” he said.
He said that the championship had engaged many of the teeming youths across the state.
“This kind of competition will make our youths earn money and stay away from trouble and social vices.
“Therefore, I want to commend the company for a good job,” he said.
Also speaking, Uzor Arukwe, Nollywood actor and brand ambassador, Tiger beer explained that, many football legends all over the world started by playing street football.
According to him, this was the reason tiger lager beer brand is celebrating grassroots football talent and community spirit in Nigeria.
Arukwe said that the country was known all over the world as a football nation, hence the championship to discover many talented footballers.
He urged the participants to take advantage of the tournament to be courageous to pursue their dreams in football.
Michael Denise, captain, Peace Ambassadors Football Club of Awka, said that it was challenging for his club to finish second position in the competition, though they planned to be champions.
Denise, who thanked the company for the gesture, added that the five-a-side competition had helped his team earn money and equipped the players with football skills.
ThemomentNG reports that the tournament kicked off in the state on Oct. 12, drawing dozens of non-professional players with 16 teams competing.
The Peace Warriors of Awka, FC emerged champions and received N5 million prize money, while Peace Ambassadors FC of Awka, first runner-up received N3 million.
Peace Dominium FC of Awka and Sunday Spark FC of Awka who placed third and fourth positions respectively carted away N1 million each.
Maria Shaddeko, Portfolio Manager, Tiger Premium Brand, while addressing Awka chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), said the company stakes N10 million for the competition.
Shaddeko said that the tournament would feature amateur teams of five-a-side players and is focused on street-style football.
