Royal FC emerged champions of the second annual football tournament organised by the Gospel Promoters Network Ministry after defeating Zone 5 Warriors FC 3–1 in the final played on Sunday at the Premiere Academy Stadium in Abuja.

The month-long tournament, whih commenced on July 30 and ended on Sunday, featured six grassroots football teams across Abuja.

Future Hopes Academy secured third place after defeating Selected FC 2–0, while Golden Boys Football Club finished fourth.

Speaking on the purpose of the tournament,Pastor Abraham Christ, Overseer of GPNM and sponsor of the tournament, said the ministry started visiting grassroots sports teams across the FCT to encourage players, share the word of God and support their development.

Christ said the ministry later introduced sporting tournaments in football, basketball and volleyball as a practical way of encouraging young people and recognising positive contributions at the grassroots.

The overseer said GPNM also visited some of the teams regularly after training sessions to share the gospel, encourage the players and provide modest support, stressing that positive transformation was a gradual process.

Abdulkadir Gobir-Agboola, a missionary with GPNM and founder of Platinum Billionaires Minds Free School, said the ministry was established to take evangelism into different spheres of life, including education and sports.

Mr Gobir-Agboola said the initiative was informed by the observation that many footballers did not attend church services regularly, hence the decision to take the gospel directly to them through their sporting environment.

Adenike Gobir-Agboola, also a GPNM missionary, said the ministry’s regular outreach had led some players to embrace Christianity and adopt more disciplined lifestyles, adding that the programme had also strengthened unity among the young footballers.

David Bartholomew, chairman of the Nigerian Football Coaches Association, FCT chapter, commended GPNM for supporting grassroots football but advised the organisers to involve more professional coaches, referees and technical personnel in subsequent editions to improve the standard of the competition.

(NAN)