NCoS inmates football competition kicks-off in Enugu

Six clubs are participating in a football competition organised for inmates of the Enugu Maximum Custodial Centre in Enugu State.

Supreme News reports that the competition, sponsored by Chief Emeka Okoye, a philanthropist, kicked off on Monday and will run until January 3, 2024.

The six teams participating include the Controller of Corrections, Deputy Controller of Corrections, Emeka Okoye, CAPIO, NOWAS, and Freedom-at-Last teams.

The winning club will get N100,000 while the runners up will go home with N60,000 and third place winner will grab N40,000.

There would be monetary prizes for best player of the competition, best goalkeeper, highest goal scorer and best defensive player among others.

The opening match was between Emeka Okoye and Deputy Controller of Corrections teams.

In his address before the kick-off, Mr. Sunday Oyakhire, the controller in charge of the custodial centre, said that the competition was part of the reformation, rehabilitation, and reintegration of the inmates into society.

He added that it was an innovative way of reforming and reorienting the inmates and encouraging them to exploit their hidden potential.

According to him, the Controller-General of NCOs, Halliru Nababa, has recently pledged to recommend the release of any outstanding footballer.

He said club owners, football scouts, and managers have been invited to watch the semi-final, third-place, and final matches.

“We normally invite coaches from outside, football teams, football managers, and others to look at the good and quality players they can incorporate into their teams once they are out of custody.

“These coaches, managers,, and scouts can also facilitate the recommendation for the release of the spotted or discovered talents.”

He expressed the hope that the inmates “will turn out to be leading football stars in the country and internationally."