The chairman and chief executive officer of ProStar Sports International, Chief Paul Maduakor has provided a heartwarming explanation of why his company is involved in partnership with this year’s Victor Ikpeba 5-A-Side Football Challenge.
READ ALSO: CMS Primary School Comes Alive This Saturday With Semi-finals Of JOF U13 Youth Cup
Sports247 reports that Maduakor disclosed that he opted to step in as a corporate partner of the competition because he loves what they are doing regarding discovery of hidden talents and providing avenues for football growth at the grassroots.
Maduakor, who is also the president of Nigeria Amputee Football Federation (NAFF), added that he is happy to see that the competition is expanding as more corporate bodies identify with the youth empowerment programme.
Bet9ja Foundation is the major sponsor for the competition, the sixth edition of which will climax next Friday, June 12th at Fujah Street Community Centre in Surulere, Lagos, with the total prize money raised to N1m.
The winning team will take home N500,000, as against N300,000 that was earned last year, while second-placed are set to receive N250,000 and N150,000 goes to third, as well as N100,00 to the fourth best team.
While heralding details of the Lagos edition of the competition, Ikpeba, a former Super Eagles’ striker and 1997 African Footballer of The Year, said the prize fees were increased in order to encourage more players to feature in the event.
He pointed out that there is growing interest in the competition, which began six years ago in Surulere and then almost immediately expanded to Warri, Delta State, due to the remarkable social impact it has been able to create since inception.
“It’s our own contribution to keep the youth busy and off the street with something tangible. We have added to the prize money to get them more excited. I expect this increment will add value to the entire tournament,” Ikpeba expatiated.
On his part, Maduakor, who operates Zenith Sports Limited and ProStar Promotions, a major indigenous manufacturer of sports equipment, confirmed that he will partner with the football event because he is impressed with its community impact.
Maduakor added, “One good way open to us is to partner with the Victor Ikpeba Football Challenge. We have been watching from the sidelines, but decided to step into the pitch because we love what the event has been able to achieve amongst the youth.”
