Eno Commends Troost-Ekong For Sustaining Grassroots Football Talent Hunt

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, has commended former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong for his sustained efforts to discover and nurture young football talents through his foundation.

Governor Eno gave the commendation at the closing ceremony of the Troost-Ekong Foundation Secondary Schools Football Tournament held at the Uyo Township Stadium.

Represented by the Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, the governor praised the Troost-Ekong Foundation for partnering with the Akwa Ibom State Football Association to organise the grassroots competition.

He said the initiative complemented the state government’s human capital and sports development programmes and aligned with the administration’s ARISE Agenda, particularly its focus on discovering talent at the grassroots.

“What you have done is worthwhile. Going to the grassroots to unearth stars is one of the key pillars of the ARISE Agenda of this administration,” Governor Eno said.

The governor also praised Troost-Ekong for remembering his roots and using his achievements in international football to create opportunities for young people in the state.

“It is not easy to find established stars who excel at international level and look back to appreciate their humble beginnings and return to give back like he has done.

“He did it last year, he has repeated it, and I am hearing from a family source that he will do it again. I want to say thank you,” he added.

Governor Eno expressed hope that the tournament would unearth players capable of representing Akwa Ibom and Nigeria at the highest level in the coming years.

“I will be happy to hear in three to four years that these stars, these players who are bound to become internationals, were discovered during the Troost-Ekong Foundation’s football competition,” he said.

He further commended the foundation for sustaining the tournament and acknowledged the cooperation of participating schools and the State Secondary Education Board.

The governor urged successful Nigerians in various fields to emulate Troost-Ekong by investing in young people and supporting talent development in their communities.

The tournament concluded with the presentation of medals and awards to participating athletes, officials and dignitaries, while Etinan Institute emerged champions after defeating St. Brian Model College in the final.

Ukeme Saturday scored the decisive goal approximately 10 minutes before half-time to secure a 1-0 victory for Etinan Institute.

The champions received the tournament trophy and a cash prize of ₦300,000.

The 2026 edition featured eight secondary schools, with Etinan Institute and St. Brian Model College advancing to the final.

The Troost-Ekong Foundation’s grassroots football programme seeks to provide young players with opportunities to develop their football abilities, while its broader initiatives focus on education, skills development and community support.

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