After years of silence, the vibrant football scene of Njinibi village in the Meta clan is making a grand comeback with the launch of the Njinibi Youth Tournament, fondly called NJIYOTO 2024. This event marks the revival of the village’s sporting spirit, which had been dormant since the cessation of the Alpha Marine Meta Inter Village Tournament due to the Anglophone Crisis.
The Return of Football to Njinibi
Njinibi was once the epicenter of football in the Mbengwi central subdivision, hosting the prestigious Alpha Marine Cup from 2014 until the outbreak of the crisis in 2016. The tournament was known not just for its competitive spirit but also for its generous prizes and hospitality, offering cash rewards, branded jerseys, footballs, and refreshments to participants and spectators alike. However, the tournament and its promoter, Mr. Fominyam Alfred, disappeared with the onset of the crisis, leaving the G.S Njinibi field to fall into disuse.
NJIYOTO 2024: A New Beginning
Fast forward to 2024, the security situation in the region has improved, encouraging the return of football to Njinibi. Spearheaded by a son of the village living abroad, NJIYOTO 2024 is rekindling the community’s passion for football. The tournament has attracted eight teams, split into two groups:
- Pole A: Njinibi Strikers, Tondig FC, Njaah United, Munam FC
- Pole B: Wumngang FC, Mile 20 FC, Nyen FC, Mbemi FC
The tournament kicked off with an exciting match between Mile 20 FC and Wumngang FC, where Mile 20 FC secured a 1-0 victory with a penalty goal by their defender, Ngwana Chick.
Building Community and Economic Growth
During the opening ceremony, the regent of Njinibi, Pa Tito, and the head of the organizing committee, Njoh Stanley, emphasized the tournament’s spirit of fun and camaraderie, urging players and supporters to maintain peace and avoid any confrontations. The tournament is not just about football; it’s also about boosting the local economy and strengthening ties between Njinibi and its neighboring villages.
With matches scheduled for Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, NJIYOTO 2024 is expected to attract hundreds of sports fans, bringing life back to the village and offering local traders an opportunity to thrive.
Looking Ahead
The tournament promises a cash prize of 500,000 francs CFA for the winners, with plans to potentially double or triple this amount in future editions if everything goes smoothly. The organizer has also hinted at the return of the larger Alpha Marine Cup, promising even greater rewards and a revival of the tournament that once made Njinibi the football hub of the region.
As NJIYOTO 2024 unfolds, it’s not just a celebration of football but a testament to the resilience and unity of the Njinibi community. Let the games begin, and may this tournament mark the start of many more to come.
