The Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the recently concluded Gombe State Inter-Secondary Schools Principal’s Cup, Abdullahi Bello Aliyu, has expressed his ambition to play for the Super Eagles of Nigeria in the future. Aliyu, who played a pivotal role in leading Savannah School’s male football team to the tournament final, narrowly missed out on the title after a 4-3 penalty shootout loss to Government Day Secondary School (GDSS) Shehu Abubakar Gombe at Gombe Stadium Pantami.
The 22-year-old SSS 3 student reaffirmed his commitment to becoming a professional footballer and earning a spot in Nigeria’s senior national team.
“Playing for the Super Eagles requires dedication, consistency, and standout performances. I know it won’t be easy, but I am determined to work hard and make it happen. Currently, I play for Gombe United’s feeder team, and very soon, I hope to break into the main squad,”Aliyu stated.
The young footballer also revealed his dream of playing for Real Madrid, calling the Spanish club the best in the world. Aliyu praised Ahmed Shuaibu-Gara Gombe, the initiator and sponsor of the Gombe Principal’s Cup, for providing a platform for young talents to shine.
“This competition has given us an opportunity to showcase our skills. I also heard that scouts from Germany were present, selecting players for training abroad. This is a huge opportunity, and I believe we will make the most of it,” he added.
The Gombe Inter-Secondary Schools Principal’s Cup has been hailed as a historic event in Nigeria’s North-East region, being the first-ever athletics and football competition organized exclusively for secondary school students. The 12,000-capacity Gombe Stadium Pantami was filled with excited schoolchildren, showcasing the growing enthusiasm for youth sports development in the region.
