Sen Sadiq Umar, senator representing Kwara North and one of the committee chairman in the Senate has stated that he has it on good authority that the body of law makers would back the senior national team, Super Eagles, to win the AFCON trophy in January.

The lawmaker made this pledge in Ilorin on Wednesday during the opening ceremony of the Governor’s Under 15 Football Championship, otherwise known as Governor’s Cup.

Speaking on the sidelines during the opening ceremony of the football competition at the Kwara State Stadium, Ilorin, Sen Umar said that he is aware that there might be reasons for discouragement for the players especially after their poor runs in World Cup qualifiers.

“But we want to assure the Nigerian players that we, as senators, will do everything we can to help them success not only at the Nation’s Cup but also to qualify for the World Cup,” he said.

The Senator was in Ilorin as the chief sponsor of the big youth development football tournament.

16 local governments of Kwara were all represented at the stadium for the opening ceremony where branded Jersies were giving to the teams and trophies were presented.

The Senator also used the occasion to call for more support for grassroots soccer development.

According to him, such investments makes for viable economic gains not only for the country, but also the state.

The Senator made this comment while declaring open, the second edition of the prestigious Governor’s Under 15 Football Championship, otherwise known as the Governor’s Cup on Wednesday at the Kwara State Stadium.

The Senator while speaking to newsmen also said that he has recommitted himself to supporting the annual Governor’s Cup because of the potential gains that comes from it economically to the state .

“From the grassroots tournament like this, young talents get scouted and taken abroad to earn dollars that they can bring back into the state,” he said.

The Governor’s Cup opening ceremony was attended by traditional rulers from across the the state while all 16 local government local council were represented at the kick off ceremony.