Central Bank plans to invest in soccer development.

Central Bank of Nigeria {CBN} has affirmed its determination and preparation to henceforth invest hugely to making positive contributions towards the promotion of football in the country, which is part of the institution corporate social responsibility.

Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, the Central Bank Governor made this known in Abeokuta, Ogun State Capital at finals of the 25th Edition of the sponsored All Financial Institutions Football Competition finals held at Moshood Abiola Stadium.

The finals as reported by NEXT was between First Bank and Union Bank, which ended 4-2 in favour of the former following a penalty shoot out after the tension soaked 90 minutes encounter witnessed by large number of spectators.

The Central Bank boss who was represented by his Deputy, Tunde Lemo disclosed at the ceremony that the competition was organized by Central Bank of Nigeria {CBN} in collaboration with Nigeria Football Federation {NFF}.

‘I wish to reiterate that the CBN took up the sponsorship of this competition as part of its corporate social responsibility function. The Bank is therefore committed to making positive contributions towards the promotion and development of football' he disclosed.

He, however, noted and explained that the championships which started in 1979 is one of the most important sporting events in the calendar of the nation football ruling body.

Further speaking Sanusi appealed to all financial institutions which have not been participating in the competition to encourage their teams to register for the 26th edition next year, pointing out that the competition is open to all of them while the registration is free.

The CBN Governor added that, the CBN has resolved further to encourage the teams to continue to participate in the competition, and in order to make participation more competitive, the total price money for the winners at next year edition has been reviewed from N1,750,000.00 to N3,750,000.00.

He equally gave the break down as first place winner; N1,500,000.00, second place winner N1,000,000.00, third place winner N750,000.00 while fourth place winner will go home with N500,000.00