Great Achievers Initiative for Youth and Community Development (GAIYD) has launched a grassroots football competition in New Nyanya, Nasarawa State, as part of efforts to promote the development of the boy-child through sports and mentorship.
The tournament, which kicked off on April 23, is scheduled to run until May 16, when the final will be held to mark the International Day of the Boy Child.
The opening fixture between GSS Nyanya Gbagyi and God’s Grace International Academy set the tone for the competition, with teams showing strong determination and competitive spirit from the onset.
Eight schools are participating in the maiden edition, including GSS Nyanya Gbagyi, Winning Ways Academy, BRI Mike Montessori Academy, God’s Grace International Academy, Bill Clinton College, GSS Bakin Ado, Mon Dieu Montessori Academy, and GSS Karu East.
Early results from the first round of matches have already shaped the standings across the two groups. In Group A, GSS Nyanya Gbagyi tops the table after a dominant 3–0 win, while Winning Ways Academy follows with a 1–0 victory. BRI Mike Montessori Academy and God’s Grace International Academy are yet to record points.
Group B is led by Bill Clinton College after a commanding 3–0 performance, with GSS Bakin Ado in second place following a 2–1 win. Mon Dieu Montessori Academy and GSS Karu East trail after losing their opening matches.
Speaking on the initiative, the President of GAIYD, Hillary Akpua, who was represented by Vice President Alaneme Toochuckwu, said the competition was designed to instill discipline and moral values in young boys.
“GAIYD is an NGO that focuses on the boy child, bringing up the boy child in good morals to help make society a better place,” he said.
He added that the tournament serves as a build-up to the International Day of the Boy Child, noting that it provides a platform to mentor participants on integrity and responsible living.
“This football match is organised to bring boys together and guide them on how to live with integrity so they can contribute positively to society,” he said.
Akpua also highlighted the broader benefits of sports, stressing that it contributes to physical well-being and helps keep young people productively engaged.
“Sports help to keep them fit and mentally engaged. An idle mind is a devil’s workshop, so activities like this help prevent negative behaviours such as drug abuse and other social vices,” he noted.
On safety, he assured that adequate medical and security measures had been put in place, including first aid services and the presence of security personnel throughout the matches.
Also speaking, the tournament coordinator, Omotoyosi Yusuf, said the initiative was created to address the neglect of the boy-child and provide opportunities for growth.
“The initiative was created to reach out to boys for their training and development. Football is something they love, so it gives us a chance to engage them while also mentoring and sensitising them,” he said.
He described the competition as the first of its kind by the organisation, with plans to expand in future editions.
“We currently have eight teams, but we plan to grow it to 16 and make it a bigger competition with wider recognition,” Yusuf added.
He also disclosed that winners would receive cash prizes, with N100,000 for first place, N80,000 for second, and N70,000 for third, alongside individual awards such as player of the tournament and highest goal scorer.
Reacting after his team’s win, captain of GSS Bakin Ado, Nelson Desmond Ifeanyi, expressed confidence in reaching the final.
“I feel good our team won against our opponent. Our focus is to reach the final, and I encourage my teammates to stay serious so we can achieve that,” he said.
On his part, Mon Dieu Montessori Academy player, Abraham Isaac, appreciated the organisers despite his team’s defeat.
“We have not had this kind of opportunity before. Although we lost, we believe we can still make it to the final. This opportunity will help improve us and boost our careers,” he said.
With matches continuing weekly at the Nyanya Gbagyi Football Pitch, the tournament is already emerging as a platform for discovering young football talents while reinforcing positive values among students.
