Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Retired Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah, has described sports, and football in particular, as a sure means of curbing youth restiveness.

The Deputy Governor stated this while flagging off the third edition of the Governor Seriake Dickson Football Tournament otherwise known as Restoration Cup at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex in Yenagoa.

Commending the organisers for putting the competition together, the state’s number two man stressed that organising a tournament with 161 teams participating was unprecedented.

His words: “A tournament with 161 teams is not an easy thing. The advantage to us is that it goes down to every corner of the state. When they say talent hunt, this best explains it.

“Youths everywhere in the country exhibit lots of energy and if you don’t direct that energy well, they will direct it. One of the areas that is like a religion in Nigeria is football. So, when you have every corner or almost every community involved in football, you are actually solving a problem.”

The Sports Commissioner, Perekiye Buruboyefe, commended sponsors and individuals who contributed toward the competition.

“As you are aware, we have had this competition twice before now. The first one we had the finals in Nembe and the second finals we had it here. I just want to say we will see beautiful football throughout this competition,” he said.

Director General of the Restoration Cup, Mr. Ono Akpe, in his remarks, highlighted the positives of the Restoration Cup since its maiden edition, especially the Restoration Starlets that finished third at the African Youth Cup in Cape Verde as well as the team's exploits in the Bayelsa State League, where the young lads emerged winners.

“From our research, we have discovered that this is the biggest grassroots football competition in the entire country. So, we must salute His Excellency, Governor Henry Seriake Dickson because from the first edition who he threw his weight behind it having realised the strength and beauty of football and the unifying factor it brings. He has given us all the support to get to this third edition.”

The opening game between Igbogene community and Aluku Dynamics of Biseni community saw the latter pick the first victory of the tournament after humiliating their opponent five goals to nil.

Aluku Dynamics dominated the entire game and progressed to the next round with goals from Greatman Johnson, Binaemi Dena, Paul Godswill, Nyesi Agunowei, and Oyowah Alex.

•Bayelsa Deputy Governor Gboribiogha John Jonah taking the kick-off to declare open Restoration Cup