BY: ABDULKADIR M LAWAN, APRIL 27, 2025/ 05:17AM

The North East Development Commission (NEDC) competition has officially begun in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State.

The opening ceremony match between Eagle Star and Shehuri Central took place on Saturday evening at Ramat Square (Filin Sakuwa), ending in a 1-1 draw.

Usman Mohammed (Dimaria) of Shehuri Central scored the first goal of the tournament in the first half with an indirect kick, while Abbas Idris of Eagle Star equalized in the second half.

The match was attended by thousands of supporters, creating an electrifying atmosphere.

NEDC State Coordinator, Engr. Muhammad Umaru assured the organizers and participating clubs that apart from the commission's prize for the tournament winner, he would personally award prizes to the winner and best player.

He wished the competition success and prayed for injury-free games.

Alhaji Babagana Kalli (Ozogla), Chairman of the Football Association in Borno State and Vice Chairman of the North East Football Association, thanked the state government for providing a peaceful environment for the competition.

He commended NEDC for organizing the tournament, which provides an opportunity for young talents to showcase their skills.

'Even though it is part of their corporate social responsibility, I must thank and commend NEDC for such a competition,' he said.

Ozogla also called on the young talents to desist from any disrespectful act on and off the pitch, urging them to maintain sportsmanship and conduct themselves in a manner that reflects positively on their teams and the competition.

Ibrahim Muhammad (IBB), Chairman of the Borno State Football Club Owners Association (BOFCOA), expressed gratitude to attendees and assured that the competition, featuring 48 teams, would be fair and just.

He called on club coaches, players, and fans to maintain sportsmanship and avoid conflicts, assuring that adequate security would be provided.

The coaches of both Eagle Star and Shehuri Central thanked their fans and vowed to win upcoming matches, with the Eagle Star Coach determined to take his team to the final and claim victory.

The competition was organized by BOFCOA in collaboration with NEDC.