22 Schools Begin Battle For Glory In 2nd W.W. Whyte Football Tournament

22 Schools Begin Battle For Glory In 2nd W.W. Whyte Football Tournament

By Admin 

The second edition of the W.W. Whyte Football Tournament for secondary schools has officially kicked off in Port Harcourt. The grassroots competition, funded by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and initiated by the Grassroot Football Initiative, is designed to identify and develop young football talent across the region, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, NDDC Managing Director, Chief Samuel Ogbuku, PhD, represented by the Director for Culture and Women Affairs, Mrs. Ahunna Imoni, expressed satisfaction with the increased level of competitiveness among participating schools. She commended the organisers for the improvements made since the inaugural edition.

Mrs. Imoni urged the student–athletes to avoid drug abuse and resist the urge to pursue victory at all costs, stressing that the primary objective of the tournament is youth development. She also disclosed that female teams will be included in future editions of the competition.

In the opening matches, Comprehensive Secondary School fell 4–2 to Pabod Model School, despite taking an early lead. Meanwhile, defending champions Enitona High School delivered a commanding performance, defeating Baptist High School by 9–0.

Chairman of the Main Organising Committee, Engr. Promise Alagbere, noted that the successful launch of the second edition reflects the organisers’ commitment to sustaining the tournament. He described the enthusiasm among participating schools as a major achievement, highlighting the emergence of a 14-year-old substitute from Pabod Model School who impressed spectators with his skill.

The tournament will run for the next three weeks, featuring 22 teams battling for top honours. Special awards including Best Goalkeeper, Most Valuable Player, and other individual recognitions will be presented, alongside cash prizes for the leading teams.

The 2025 edition of the W.W. Whyte Secondary School Football Tournament will conclude on Tuesday, November 25, with the finals scheduled to hold at the Civic Centre, Port Harcourt.