The maiden edition of the Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi Unity FCT Football Tournament will be declared open by former captain of the Super Eagles, Kanu Nwankwo.

The Atlanta 96 Olympic Gold-winning star who incidentally is now the chairman of Abia Football Association chairman is the Grand Ambassador of the tournament.

Kanu who spoke from his base assured that he was going to be in Abuja to declare the tournament open.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, LOC, Mr. Moo Mohammed said the talents scouted will be developed and exported out of the country.

Mr. Moo, who has a clubside in Dubai and who has also discovered many talents and taken them to various countries in the world said he has the connections and where to take the players to.

His words, “We are taking the tournament to the grassroots. We are going to be working with Coaches like Manu Garba, John Obuh and others.

He continued, “Football is a weapon for unity. We are going to discover talents. You will agree with me that raw talents are found in the local areas.”

The tournament is expected to start on Saturday, July 8 while the grand finale is on Saturday, .29 July and the matches are expected to take place at Apo settlement Pitch; Kuje township Stadium; Ushafa Football Pitch, Bwari; Specialist football pitch Gwagwalada; Abaji Football Pitch and Area 3 Football Pitch.

Organiser of the tournament, Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi said she is trying to give back to the society and see how to give opportunities to the youth and take them out of the street.

The 2023 APC Senatorial aspirant and Happy City CEO also said engaging the youth in sports will not only help them to discover their talents but also take them away from crimes.

While Kanu Nwankwo is the Ambassador, another Olympics silver-winning player, Femi Ajilore is the FCT Ambassador.

Meanwhile, the Onah of Abaji has endorsed the tournament while the permanent secretary of the FCT, Mr. Adesola Olusade supported the tournament with donation of footballs.