The French Embassy in Nigeria has struck a partnership with Nigeria international forward Moses Simon to organise an U15 tournament in Benue State aimed at discovering future players for Nigeria, OwnGoalNigeria.com report.
The tournament will feature ten teams with two coming from Kaduna and Nasarawa State respectively. The tournament will run from the 20th of November to 23rd with support from the Benue State Football Association.
In a goodwill message delivered at the start of the tournament today, the French Embassy in Nigeria explained the idea behind the partnership, and also what they intend to achieve with it.
According to the statements, they hope to see some of the U15 players from the tournament excel in professional football in the next ten years, just like Moses Simon who has 88 caps for Nigeria.
Below is a text of the statement made available to the press.
Dear young players, dear coaches,
I am pleased to deliver this message on behalf of Mrs Ketty REGIS, the Cooperation Attaché of the Embassy of France in Nigeria. On behalf of the Embassy, I would like to commend the opening of this U15 tournament here in Benue, organised with the Moses Simon Foundation, even though I unfortunately cannot be physically present with you today.
For the past two years, we have been working with the Foundation on sport, youth and inclusion. For us, this tournament is not just a competition: it is a space that gives young people a real place where the values of respect and equality are put into practice. This is also what we mean by sports diplomacy: using sport as a common language and a lever for development.
The inspiring journey of Moses Simon, who has played in France for seven seasons, with Nantes and now Paris Football Club, creates a natural bridge between France and Nigeria. We admire the player, of course, but also the man who has chosen to put his experience at the service of young people. He shows that an international career can remain closely connected to the local realities of youth here in Nigeria.
I would like to warmly acknowledge the presence of teams from Benue, Kaduna, Nasarawa and other States across the country. Your participation gives this tournament a national dimension. It shows that football can bring people together, create encounters between young people who share the same passion, and open up new opportunities. In Benue, the French Embassy also supports other initiatives, in particular those in favour of women and girls in internally displaced persons camps, with the same conviction: a more inclusive society is a stronger society.
To the young players, a very clear message: this tournament is for you. The result matters, of course, but your behaviour matters just as much. The way you treat your opponents, the referee and your teammates will say a lot about the kind of example you want to set around you. Show that it is possible to be competitive without violence, determined without cheating, proud without being disrespectful. These are the values that should guide you on and off the pitch.
I would like to warmly thank the Moses Simon Foundation, a strong and highly valued partner of the Embassy, as well as the authorities of Benue State, the coaches, referees, volunteers and all those who have contributed to the organisation of this tournament.
To all the teams: play with your hearts, play together, and make this tournament a moment you can still be proud of ten years from now. I wish you all an excellent tournament.
Thank you.
They went further to explain that the tournament highlights the role of Simon in building a bridge between France and Nigeria. A prove that success abroad can serve local communities back here in Nigeria.
U15 national football tournament in Benue: The Moses Simon Foundation and France promote youth and inclusion
Benue State, Nigeria – The Embassy of France in Nigeria is supporting an under-15 football tournament organised by the Moses Simon Foundation in Benue State, as part of its ongoing collaboration with the Foundation on sport, youth and inclusion.
For the past two years, the Embassy and the Moses Simon Foundation have worked together to use football as a tool for inclusion and opportunity. The tournament offers young people a place to play, to be seen and to learn key values such as respect, fair play and equality.
“This tournament is more than a competition; it gives space and recognition to young people,” said Mrs Ketty REGIS, the Cooperation Attaché at the French Embassy. “Through football, we see respect, equality and teamwork in action.”
The event also highlights the role of international footballer Moses Simon, who has played in France for seven seasons with FC Nantes and now Paris FC. His career naturally connects France and Nigeria and gives a special meaning to this partnership.
“Moses Simon builds a bridge between France and Nigeria,” the Embassy representative added. “He shows that success abroad can serve local communities here in Nigeria.”
Teams from Benue, Kaduna, Nasarawa and other States across the country are taking part, giving the tournament a national dimension. By bringing together young players from different backgrounds who share the same passion, the competition helps create links, mutual understanding and new perspectives.
In Benue State, the Embassy of France is also involved in other initiatives, in particular in favour of women and girls in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps. While separate from the tournament, these programmes are guided by the same conviction: a more inclusive society is a stronger society.
The Embassy considers that this kind of grassroots project deserves to be highlighted and encouraged. It illustrates very concretely how sport can contribute to social cohesion, protection and empowerment of young people, especially when supported by committed local actors such as the Moses Simon Foundation.
To the young players, the Embassy sends a clear message: the final score matters, but behaviour on and off the pitch matters just as much. The way they treat opponents, referees and teammates will reflect the example they want to set being competitive without violence, determined without cheating and proud without disrespect.
The Embassy of France in Nigeria warmly thanks the Moses Simon Foundation, a strong and trusted partner as well as the authorities of Benue State, the coaches, referees, volunteers and all those who contributed to the organisation of the tournament. It wishes all participating teams an excellent competition and encourages them to play with their hearts and make this tournament a moment they will still be proud of in ten years’ time.
