The former governor of Nasarawa state, Umaru Al-Makura, has urged Nigerians to invest in grassroots sports.

Mr Al-makura gave the advice on Sunday in Lafia at the finals of the Tanko Al-Makura (TAAL) Unity Cup football competition.

He said that sport is a veritable tool capable of engaging the youth and bringing unity.

The senator said there were lots of raw and untapped talents hidden in the grassroots that just needed platforms to excel.

He added that so many youths who were discovered in the past had made the country proud in different sports.

Mr Al-Makura said that it was out of his desire to provide platforms for the youth to showcase their skills that the competition was organised.

He noted that the tournament was very important as it was one of the platforms to consolidate peaceful coexistence in the zone and the state.

“Through this competition, I believe we can discover talents that can make a living through football, represent the country and make us proud, as well as be a source of hope to the younger generation.

“I appreciate the response that the competition has attracted right from the grassroots and the level of interest and participation,” he added.

He said that machinery was put in place from the beginning of the competition to take a record of the performances of every player for any necessary support to excel.

The senator, therefore, donated one million naira to Water Corporation Football Club of Lafia which emerged winner and N500,000 to Lafia Stars Football Club, the runners up.

In the final of the competition, Water Corporation FC defeated Lafia Stars 6 – 5 during a penalty shootout.