Comfort FM Unveils Neighborhood Football Fiesta, Promises Exciting Grassroots Action

By Asuquo Edem

Comfort FM has announced plans to stage a grassroots football tournament tagged the “Comfort FM Neighborhood Football Fiesta”, aimed at fostering unity and discovering new talents through sports.

At a press briefing in Uyo on Thursday, Mighty George of Comfort FM described the fiesta as the station’s flagship community project, designed to strengthen bonds within neighborhoods while promoting grassroots football.

“Sports is a unifying factor, and we thought of a program that will bring people together, especially around our immediate neighborhood,” he said. “The maiden edition will run from October to December this year, with between 30 and 60 teams expected to participate.”

According to the organizers, the tournament will offer cash prizes of ₦1 million for the winners, ₦750,000 for the runners-up, and ₦500,000 for the third-place team. Registration is pegged at ₦20,000 per team, with each squad allowed 20 players.

George noted that the event enjoys the recognition of the Akwa Ibom State Football Association and the referees’ council, adding that Comfort FM’s Managing Director, Effiong Bob, gave his full support for the initiative.

Executive Consultant to Comfort FM, Sam Akpan, assured journalists that the organizers are prioritizing the safety of players and fans. “We are partnering with security agencies who have volunteered to be part of the program. The final match will be staged at the Uyo Township Stadium,” he said.

He also emphasized that the fiesta is strictly for upcoming players and not professionals, noting that such grassroots competitions often serve as platforms for discovering raw talents.

John Ekpenyong, Head of the Grassroots Sports Federation and a member of the Local Organizing Committee, said the event is open to all, though no female category has been included in this maiden edition. He pledged to sponsor the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.

Meanwhile, Emmanuel Akpan, Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, lauded Comfort FM for the initiative, particularly for providing attractive prizes to motivate teams.

Organizers expressed optimism that some players discovered at the fiesta could graduate to the Nigerian National League in the future, cementing the event’s place as a lasting platform for grassroots football development in the state.

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