The Benjamin Tanimu U-15 Football Tournament is setting a tone for talent discovery in Benin City as the Nigerian international and Crawley Town defender is aimed at staging a prestigious grassroots age-grade competition.
His keen interest in giving back to society gave him the platform to excel to the level, he is now informed of his decision to set up the tournament in conjunction with the Edo State Football Association under the leadership of Fred Newton.
The push for this, was however set in the right frame of preparations with a media parley held on Friday, January 24, 2025 at the Media Center, Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, the player’s manager, Mr. Bature Tanimu, informed the media and key stakeholders of the plans and structure of the tournament.
Disclosing the proposed formalities towards the forthcoming tourney, the Edo State FA Chairman said that registration for the inaugural edition has officially commenced with immediate effect as of today. Some of the paramount requirements for interested participants aimed at school kids between ages 13 and 15 must also be academically sound and physically fit.
“The tentative date for the tournament is between March and April. Meanwhile, the slots for teams are unlimited until the deadline. Birth certificates and last-term academic results will be the most significant pieces of information for screening. Additionally, there will be a provision for free jerseys at the final, courtesy of Benjamin Tanimu.
“Winners’ prizes for the competition have been pegged at a sum of Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500,000) for First-Place; the First Runners-up goes home with Three Hundred Thousand Naira (N300,000), and the Second Runners-up takes Two Hundred Thousand Naira (N200,000) in addition to individual prizes for overall top-performers,” Fred Newton explained.
According to the chairman, it was categorically stated that there will be a special recognition award for the best defender in honour of the tournament’s sole sponsor, Benjamin Tanimu.
“In Benjamin Tanimu’s message through his father and manager, Bature Tanimu, As a defender, I will be given a special recognition to such a tedious position as mine, the best defender of the tournament a special award,” he added
As a renowned young role model to many aspiring local talents, the former Bendel Insurance centre-back has, overtime, made it his sole purpose to further positively impact youngsters across the buzzing streets of Benin City by fueling their passion for the beautiful game of football.