7th Edition Buratai Football Competition Kicks Off in Maiduguri

By Ibrahim Tukur Worker

The stage is set for the seventh edition of the Ambassador General TY Buratai Zaman Lafiya Football Competition, following the draws held at the Borno State Football Association Hall in Maiduguri.
 
The competition, organised by former Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General TY Buratai, aims to promote peace and unity among youths in Borno State while also providing a platform for them to showcase their football talents.
 
According to Adamu Yusuf Buratai, representing Alhaji Ibrahim Buratai, President of TY Buratai Football Academy.
 
“The competition is designed to promote love, unity, and cooperation among the youths. We urge all participating teams to be law-abiding and play the game according to its rules.”
 
Adamu Yusuf Buratai added, “In a game, there must be a winner or loser. Whoever loses a match should accept that defeat, because sometimes it could be their own turn.”
 
The Chief Operating Officer of Idris Bumsa Furniture Nigeria Limited, Idris Bumsa, also emphasised the importance of cooperation and unity among the participating youths. 
 
“I want to remind you that, at the end of the tournament, only one team should emerge as the winner. Please, I urge you to continue with your support and cooperation in this seventh edition of the competition,” he said.
 
Alhaji Uba Usman, representing the referees, reminded the gathering of the roles of referees before, during, and after the game. He called on all technical crews to remain calm during play, as their calmness is key to a peaceful match. 
 
“Referees are human beings, but they do not intentionally or deliberately create riots in any match. I assure you that under the leadership of Babagana Bunu, he is not taking anything lightly,” Usman said.
 
The competition is scheduled to kick off on January 22, 2025, with F.C. Zajeri (Chelsea) facing FC Crack in the opening ceremony. 
 
A total of 35 teams will participate in the competition, which promises to be an exciting display of football talent.