The Kwara State Football Association (FA) has commenced the distribution of match balls to selected secondary schools across the state, under the CAF School Football Development Initiative, with Government Day Secondary School, Karuma in Ilorin East Local Government Area emerging as the first beneficiary.

The initiative, aimed at strengthening grassroots football and nurturing young talents, saw students and staff of the school receive the equipment with excitement, as the programme officially got underway.

Speaking during the presentation, the Principal of the school, Alanamu Obowu AbdulRahman, lauded the gesture, describing it as a timely intervention that will boost sports development at the school level.

He called for sustained support to ensure continuity and wider impact.

“On behalf of the management, teaching and non-teaching staff and students of this school, we appreciate the opportunity, and also want to ask for more support for the sports-friendly school”, he said.

The Principal also commended the Kwara FA, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and the Confederation of African Football (CAF), for their collective efforts in promoting grassroots football across the country.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Kwara State FA, Alhaji Idris Abdullahi Musa Thuraya, expressed appreciation to the NFF and CAF for their support and commitment to youth football development.

He noted that the initiative aligns with ongoing efforts to identify and groom future football stars from the grassroots.

Alhaji Thuraya further disclosed that the distribution exercise will be extended to other senatorial districts in the state, ensuring that more schools benefit from the programme.

The CAF School Football Development Initiative is designed to provide essential equipment and support to schools, while encouraging participation in football at an early age, thereby building a strong foundation for the sport across Africa.