Chadian Community Show Support to ARS Contingent

Lagos, Nigeria; September 17, 2013: The Chadian Community resident in Nigeria, today, turned out en masse to give emotional support to their kinsmen at the on-going Airtel Rising Stars Africa U-17 Championships in Lagos, Nigeria.

The Chadian delegation, were led by the General Consul of Chad Republic in Lagos, Ambassador Moussa Sultani and the President of the Community in Nigeria, Alhaji Alli Jimoh, to the Legacy Pitch of the National Stadium, Surulere, venue of the Group B female opening match between Chad and defending champions, Ghana.

Speaking shortly before the match, Ambassador Sultani expressed happiness at the participation of his country in the ARS Tournament just as he noted that his country and Nigeria, like other African sister nations, have enjoyed cordial diplomatic relationship.

'I am very happy about this initiative.
Nigeria and my country as well as other African countries have a close working relationship. I believe this tournament will help in exchange of cultural values between the countries,' he said.

Also speaking, Alhaji Jimoh said he was excited that the Tournament offered Chadian youths a unique platform to make a statement in African youth football.

His words,' We are very happy because Chadian youths are here to participate in the ARS Tournament in Nigeria. We want them to play well and probably win the trophy.'

Meanwhile in the female category group matches decided earlier today, Chad caused the greatest upset when they defeated defending champion, Ghana by a lone goal. DRC thrashed Gabon 8-1 while Malawi was one goal better than Uganda.

In the only match played today at the Onikan Stadium, the Ghanaian male team defeated their Tanzanian counterparts 2-1, while Madagascar defeated Kenya 3-2 in a Group C encounter.

More group matches will continue tomorrow at the Legacy Pitch and NIS Sports Field, both at the National Stadium, Surulere and the Onikan Stadium, Lagos.

This year's edition of the ARS kicked off Monday at the Agege Township Stadium with host Nigeria recording respective victories in the opening group matches against Kenya female and DRC male teams.

The Airtel Rising Stars Africa U-17 soccer tournament is a unique pan-African initiative of Airtel Africa designed to create a pool of talents to feed the national football teams of African countries.