By Awwal Umar Kontagora The Niger State Football Association (NSFA) has officially conducted the draws for the 2024 Niger State Governor...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
The Niger State Football Association (NSFA) has officially conducted the draws for the 2024 Niger State Governor's Cup, tagged "Lapai 2024," with the tournament set to kick off on October 31.
The draw ceremony, held at Layali Hotel in Lapai, was declared open by Dr. Nuhu Garba Ngaski, Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Youths and Sports Development. In his remarks, Dr. Ngaski emphasized that football is more than just a game; it is a unifying force that fosters teamwork and healthy competition.
"This event marks a significant milestone in our commitment to promoting youth sports and harnessing the immense talent within our communities," he said. Dr. Ngaski added that the tournament would provide a platform for young athletes to showcase their skills, build friendships, and foster a sense of belonging.
He reiterated the ministry’s core values of peace, togetherness, teamwork, and team spirit, expressing optimism that these values would be on display throughout the competition. Dr. Ngaski also commended the state FA and other stakeholders for their unwavering commitment to sports development.
"On behalf of the Niger State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, headed by our Commissioner, Hon. Yahya Ibrahim Gulbin-Boka, I extend our gratitude to the organizing committee, coaches, players, and volunteers for their dedication. Your hard work and passion are the lifeblood of sports development in our state," Dr. Ngaski said.
In his address, NSFA Chairman Comrade Ahmed Yusuf Fresh highlighted that this year’s edition of the Governor's Cup is the 44th overall and the second under the administration of Governor Mohammed Umar Bago. He also acknowledged the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs for taking over sponsorship of the championship following the loss of News Engineering Nigeria Ltd’s sponsorship after the company owner’s demise.
Comrade Fresh confirmed that all 25 local government areas are expected to participate in the tournament and called on participants to adhere to the rules of the game while embracing the spirit of sportsmanship.
The Chairman of Lapai Local Government Council, Hon. Mohammed Musa Kiriko, represented by Council Secretary Alhaji Mohammed Mohammed, expressed appreciation to the NSFA for granting Lapai the hosting rights. He assured the gathering that preparations were well underway, including the upgrade of five football pitches to meet the tournament's standards.
The opening match of the 2024 edition will see the host local government, Lapai, face off against Chanchaga, with defending champions Bida Local Government aiming to retain their title.
The event also included presentations by NSFA officials on the tournament's rules, governance structure, and regulations. The draw was overseen by NSFA First Vice Chairman Yabagi Alhaji Baba, with further interpretations of the laws of the game provided by Umar Mohammed and Mohammed Ismaila She.
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