Troost-Ekong Earns Governor Eno’s Praise For Grassroots Football Investment

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has commended former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong for investing in grassroots football and creating opportunities for young talents to develop their skills and pursue professional careers, Completesports.com reports.

Troost-Ekong Foundation Praised For Grassroots Development

Governor Eno spoke during the closing ceremony of the second edition of the Troost-Ekong Foundation (TEF) Secondary Schools Football Tournament at the Uyo Township Stadium.

The governor, represented by the StateCommissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, who stood in for him at the occasion, congratulated the Troost-Ekong Foundation for its successful collaboration with the Akwa Ibom State Football Association in organising the tournament.

He also thanked Troost-Ekong for complementing his administration’s developmental drive in sports through the foundation.

Governor Eno expressed admiration for the initiative, noting that it aligns with his administration’s vision for human capacity development and could lead to the emergence of future football stars from the state.

Also Read: Troost Ekong Foundation Announces 2nd Edition Of Celebrity Football Match

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

Troost-Ekong Hailed For Giving Back

The governor also praised Troost-Ekong for returning home to give back to the community and support the development of young footballers.

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

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

“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,” the governor said.

Governor Eno further applauded the foundation for its consistency and commended the participating schools, through the State Secondary Education Board, for their collaboration.

He also called on other indigenes of Akwa Ibom who have excelled in their respective fields to prioritise giving back to the state in order to help nurture more talents for the future.

TEF Tournament Produces Winner

The Troost-Ekong Foundation (TEF) empowers young people through a combination of football, education, skills development and community support.

Eight secondary schools participated in this year’s football tournament, with Etinan Institute and St Brian Model College progressing to the final.

Etinan Institute emerged champions after securing a 1-0 victory in the grand finale, earning the trophy and a ₦300,000 cash prize.