Two promising talents from Katsina Soccer Academy have been selected to join the National Under 17 soccer team.
Umar Yusuf, a goalkeeper, and Ahmed Nasir, a midfielder, earned their spots after impressing selectors during a recent screening exercise in Abuja.
The duo emerged triumphant among six hopefuls from the academy vying for a place on the national squad.
Their selection marks a significant milestone for Katsina Soccer Academy, a project spearheaded by sports loving Governor Radda less than a year ago, a statement by the governor’s spokesman Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed said on Tuesday.
Governor Radda, who has championed sports development as a cornerstone of his “Building Your Future Blueprint,” expressed elation at the academy’s early success.
He sees the invitation of Umar and Ahmed as a promising sign for soccer in the state, foreseeing a future where Katsina produces footballers who bring pride to both the state and the nation.
Coach Nasir Saidu, reflecting on the achievement, emphasized the rapid progress of Katsina Soccer Academy since its establishment. “
To think that just last year, we were starting out, and now we have two players representing the nation—it’s truly remarkable,” he said.
Saidu thanked the Governor for his foresight and praised the dedication of the academy’s technical team.
He also highlighted the abundance of untapped talent across the state.
Joining the national team on a tour to Morocco for a series of friendlies, Umar and Ahmed will later head to Spain as part of their preparations for the upcoming African Qualifiers.
These qualifiers will determine the teams that will represent Africa in the FIFA U/17 World Cup, set to be hosted by Qatar.
The success of Umar and Ahmed underscores the potential of grassroots sports development initiatives like Katsina Soccer Academy.
Engr. Hassan Tingilin, Managing Director of the Katsina State Water Board, one of the arrowheads of the academy commended Governor Radda for his visionary leadership in establishing the academy.
“We are thrilled to see the tangible results of this initiative and look forward to witnessing more of our players shine on both national and international stages,” Tingilin remarked.
As Umar Yusuf and Ahmed Nasir embark on their journey representing Nigeria, they carry with them the hopes and dreams of their community. Their achievements serve as a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and opportunity in nurturing sporting talent at the grassroots level.
