By Our Reporter 
The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has reiterated his commitment to grassroots football development in Edo State, unveiling plans for a local football tournament aimed at discovering and nurturing young talents across the state.
Enabulele disclosed this on Thursday while receiving the management and coaching crew of Westgate FC at the Commission’s office in Benin City following the club’s qualification for the ongoing NFF President Federation Cup.
The team visited the Edo Sports Commission boss to formally inform him of their qualification and recent victory over their Enugu counterparts during the playoff stage of the competition.
In a statement issued by his Media Aide, Edoko Wilson Edoko, Enabulele congratulated the club on the achievement and challenged the players and officials to remain focused and ambitious as they continue their campaign in the national tournament.
According to him, the qualification presents an opportunity for the players to showcase their talents on a bigger stage while representing Edo State with pride and discipline.
“I challenge you to set targets for yourselves and aim far in this competition. You are no longer representing yourselves alone, but Edo State. I expect you to prove critics wrong by going beyond the Round of 32,” Enabulele stated.
The Sports Commission Chairman emphasized the importance of discipline, unity, and professionalism among players and officials, urging the team to avoid unnecessary distractions and remain committed to their objective.
He further disclosed that the Commission is already working on a broader grassroots football development strategy designed to identify local talents and create opportunities for homegrown players to break into professional football.
Enabulele revealed plans to collaborate with the Edo State Football Association to organize a major local football tournament involving clubs across the state.
According to him, the competition will serve as a scouting platform for talented players capable of playing for top clubs such as Bendel Insurance FC and other professional sides.
“When I came on board, I noticed there were very few Edo players in some of our clubs. I said no, we must promote our own talents, which aligns with Governor Monday Okpebholo’s grassroots-driven sports development plan. That is why we want to organize this tournament with the FA to discover players from our grassroots clubs in July,” he explained.
The Sports Commission boss added that the initiative is not necessarily about prize money, but about creating pathways for young footballers to build careers and gain wider exposure.
“We may not even focus on money for winners. The real goal is talent discovery. If we can identify 10 or 20 players who can move into professional football, then we have achieved something meaningful for Edo sports,” he said.
He cited examples of Bendel Insurance FC players like Akpan and Alex, who rose through similar opportunities after participating in friendly matches and scouting exercises, stressing that many hidden talents exist within local football structures in Edo State.
Enabulele also assured Westgate FC of continued support from the Commission throughout the Federation Cup campaign and urged the club to maintain high standards both on and off the pitch.
Speaking on behalf of the club, Team Manager, Kolade Kehinde, appreciated the Edo Sports Commission boss for the warm reception and his commitment to repositioning sports development in the state.
He also appealed for continued support for Westgate FC as the team continues its journey in the NFF President Federation Cup.
Westgate FC secured qualification for the competition after finishing second behind Bendel Insurance FC in the Edo State qualifying series.
The club further boosted its credentials with an impressive 2-0 victory over Amanda FC in the preliminary round played at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, delivering a dominant first-half performance to seal qualification.