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APC National Chairman Endorses 2026 Renewed Hope Unity Cup, Decorated As Grand Patron
Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has been officially decorated as Grand Patron of the 2026 Renewed Hope Unity Cup during a courtesy call at his office at the APC National Secretariat, Abuja.
A visibly excited Professor Nentawe, who is also a football lover, went into a closed door meeting with the NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau and the brain behind the National much anticipated event, Hon(Dr) Suleiman Yahaya Kwande.
The Renewed Hope Unity Cup, a cornerstone of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aims to engage all 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) across Nigeria in a nationwide grassroots football tournament. The competition, which focuses on empowering youth, promoting unity, and strengthening national participation in sports, has garnered widespread enthusiasm—and Prof. Nentawe’s unspoken endorsement carries significant weight, reinforcing the project’s national importance.
His presence and supportive demeanor at the event were a strong statement of commitment, demonstrating that this initiative resonates deeply with Nigeria’s leadership in promoting inclusion and opportunity for young Nigerians. The body language of Prof. Nentawe, a leader known for his impactful presence, adds a layer of institutional validation to the competition, signaling that this project has the backing of influential political figures like Mallam Shehu Dikko(Grand Patron), Chairman National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade(Grand Patron), Director General, National Sports Commission and Hon. Adeboye Adeyinka(Grand Patron), SSA to tge President on Grassroots Sports, among others; who see it as pivotal for national unity and development.
“We are deeply honored to have Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda serve as the Grand Patron of the 2026 Renewed Hope Unity Cup,” said Hon(Dr) Prince Suleiman Yahaya Kwande, Director of Cornerflag Connection Limited, the organisation with the mandate to organise a hitch-free national tournament. “His actions and presence alone reinforce the importance of this initiative, confirming that the APC National Chairman stands firmly behind efforts to empower Nigeria’s youth and unify the country through sports.”
Hon. Kwande also went ahead to appreciate the NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau for his support. In his words: NFF President, showed his everlasting love for grassroots football growth and development and his support for the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. After getting him decorated as a Patron of the tournament, he still followed me here despite his tight and busy schedules to decorate Professor Nentawe Yilwatda as the Grand Patron.”
The competition, with the acronym: A-G.O.A.L Nigeria:
A- Asiwaju
G- Go
O- On
A- And
L- Lead
Nigeria,
will feature teams from every one of Nigeria’s 774 local government areas, providing unprecedented opportunities for young Nigerians from every region to showcase their talents. With mouthwatering prizes, career changing and career development opportunities at stake, the tournament is much more than just a tournament; it’s a movement that will uplift communities, build national pride, and create future leaders.
Professor Nentawe’s appointment as Grand Patron, along with the growing support from other influential figures, ensures the success and sustainability of the competition. The 2026 Renewed Hope Unity Cup is positioned to not only discover talents but to also leave a lasting legacy of unity, empowerment, and sports excellence across Nigeria.
