By Abubakar Hassan
The Niger State Football Association (NSFA) has conducted the draws for the 2024 Niger state Governor’s Cup football competition, tagged “Lapai 2024,” setting 31 October as the official kick-off of the tournament.
The permanent secretary of the state ministry of youths and sports development, Dr. Nuhu Garba Ngaski while declaring the draws open on Thursday, at Layali hotel, Lapai observed that Football is not just a game, but a unifying force that brings people together, inspires teamwork, and ignites a spirit of healthy competition.
He said the event marks a significant milestone in their commitment towards promoting youth sports and harnessing the talent present within our various communities, adding that each match of the tournament would be an opportunity for the youths to showcase their skills, build friendships, and foster a sense of belonging.
Dr. Garba Ngaski said the values which the ministry holds dearly were peace, togetherness, teamwork and team spirit, expressing optimism that they will see that being exemplify by the participants during the tournament.
While appreciating the state FA and other stakeholders for their commitment towards sports development in the state, the Permanent Secretary also said they look forward to thrilling matches, remarkable displays of talent, and, above all, the spirit of sportsmanship.
“On behalf of the Niger state Ministry of Youth and Sports Development headed by our Commissioner, Hon Yahya Ibrahim Gulbin-Boka, I would like to extend our gratitude to the organizing committee, coaches, players, and volunteers for their dedication to making this event a success. Your hard work and passion are the lifeblood of sports development in our state,” he added.
Addressing the gathering earlier, the NSFA Chairman, Comrade Ahmed Yusuf Fresh said this year’s edition of the Governor’s Cup is the 44 edition and second in the administration of Farmer Governor Mohammed Umar Bago.
He said since they lost sponsorship of the championship by News Engineering Nigeria limited after the demise of the owner of the company, Niger state ministry of local government and chieftancy affairs took over the sponsorship and have not disappointed them. He then appreciated them.
Comrade Yusuf Fresh disclosed that 31 October will be the kick-off and that all the 25 local government areas are expected to participate in the championship, while calling on all participants to play by the rules of the game and imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship before, during and after the tournament.
The Chairman of Lapai local government council, Hon. Mohammed Musa Kiriko who was represented by the council Secretary, Alhaji Mohammed Mohammed appreciated the state FA for granting Lapai the hosting right, saying they will not regret doing that.
He said the entire people of Lapai local government were happy with the development and that alot of sensitization and consultation is currently ongoing so as to ensure a successful hosting.
He equally disclosed that all the requirements forwarded to them by the state FA were currently being looked into, as he said the council had already given contract for the upgrade of the five football pitches to be use during the championship.
Host local government, Lapai and Chanchaga were billed for the opening ceremony match of the 2024 edition. Bida local government which hosted the last edition is the defending champion.
Highlights of the event were interpretation of the rules, framework, governance structure and regulations of the tournament by Awaisu Barau Kuta, and also interpretation of the laws of the game by Umar Mohammed and Mohammed Ismaila She. The conduct of the draws was piloted by first vice chairman of NSFA, Yabagi Alhaji Baba.
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