Nahid Ahmed was stabbed to death by his neighbour in September 2020

Local footballers competed to win the 'Nahid Cup' in memory of Nahid Ahmed, who was stabbed to death in Enfield two years ago — *Local footballers competed to win the ‘Nahid Cup’ in memory of Nahid Ahmed, who was stabbed to death in Enfield two years ago*

Friends and family of a murdered Enfield man hosted a charity football match to raise awareness of knife crime.

The inaugural ‘Nahid Cup’ took place at the end of June in memory of Nahid Ahmed, a 26-year-old from Forty Hill who was stabbed to death by his neighbour in September 2020.

The community event was hailed a “massive success” for not only engaging footballers but also “sending out a message of peace”.

The aim of the charity fixture was to use football to highlight knife crime, how it “destroys communities”, and deter people from carrying knives.

Ponders End FC players Abdul Komor, Amran Ahmed and Abul Hussain were among those who took part in the event, which was supported by Raju Ahmed and Mujib Rahman, the president and assistant secretary of Enfield Masjid.

In the event, Team Nahid lost to Impact FC on penalties.

Nahid’s mother Rushanara Ahmed, who watched the game, said afterwards: “I am a mixture of emotions today. We all miss Nahid terribly. He was taken away too soon.

“If this football tournament saves one life and the tears of a single mother then our blessed efforts would have been worth it.”

Nahid was fatally stabbed by Abdi Osman, aged 43, outside a tower block in Holbrook Close where they both lived. Nahid was on the phone to his girlfriend when it happened. Osman later pleaded guilty to murder and was sentenced to 23-and-a-half-years in jail last year.

In the aftermath of his death, Nahid’s uncle Mo and several community volunteers worked with Rafique Ullah, the head of Enfield Council’s youth services, to open a new youth club which now hosts almost 200 youngsters, offering them free activities.

Plans are underway to make the Nahid Cup football match an annual event.

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