From Abel zwanke, Lafia
Akwanga Local Government Area has emerged champions of the 3rd edition of the Nasarawa State U-13 Inter-Primary School Football Tournament after defeating defending champions, Lafia, 5-4 on penalties in a thrilling final played on Tuesday at the Rishama College Football Field, Akwanga.
The final ended 1-1 in regulation time, forcing both sides into a penalty shootout. After converting four spot kicks apiece, Akwanga netted the decisive penalty while Lafia’s final kicker blasted his effort over the bar, sending the home crowd into jubilation.
In the third-place playoff, Keffi Local Government Area also secured a 5-4 victory on penalties against Doma after a goalless draw.
Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Emmanuel Agbadu Akabe, presented a giant trophy to the champions alongside cash prizes: One Million Naira to Akwanga, Seven Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira to Lafia, and Five Hundred Thousand Naira to Keffi. The Deputy Governor also personally donated Three Hundred Thousand Naira to Doma, the fourth-place finishers.
Speaking during the presentation, Governor Sule lauded all thirteen participating LGAs for their sportsmanship and competitiveness.
“This tournament has shown the depth of young football talents in our state. I commend the sponsor, Hon. Aliyu Bello, for this laudable initiative. We encourage more well-meaning individuals to support youth development through sports,” the Governor stated.
He also directed the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development to collaborate with the sponsor in nurturing identified talents for future engagements.
Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Kwanta Yakubu, described the tournament as aligning with Governor Sule’s vision for talent discovery and sports growth in the state.
“Scouts from the newly-formed Nasarawa United Feeder Team will select outstanding players from this tournament,” the commissioner revealed. “We are committed to an open-door policy to support sports development across the state.”
The President of the Nigeria Football Federation was represented by Abubakar Barde, who praised the tournament’s organization and declared all participants “winners.”
The tournament sponsor and founder of the Aliyu Bello Charity Foundation, Hon. Aliyu Bello (PhD), expressed gratitude to Governor Sule for his unwavering support.
“This tournament has opened doors for young talents to be discovered and mentored. We are committed to continuing this initiative to uplift children through sports,” he said.
Individual honors were awarded during the closing ceremony. Usman Usman of Lafia LGA won the Golden Boot, while his teammate Zubairu Aliyu was named the Most Valuable Player. Yahaya Umar of Akwanga was voted Best Goalkeeper, and Maitala won Best Coach.
Dignitaries at the grand finale included Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau; the Accountant General, Dr. Ahmed Mohammed; Chief Whip and Member representing Akwanga North, Hon. Larry Ven-Bawa;
Others include, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Dr. Ibrahim Adamu Alhassan; State FA Chairman, Salisu Usman Galadima; local government chairmen including Hon. Safiyanu Isah Andaha of Akwanga; Chairman of Nasarawa United FC, Solomon Babanjah; and NSUBEB Chairman, Dr. Kassim Muhammad Kassim.
The tournament, which ran from May 21 to May 27, 2025, was organized in commemoration of International Children’s Day and the sixth anniversary of Governor Sule’s administration.
According to the organisers, the 4th edition of the tournament will be hosted by Keffi Local Government Area from May 20 to 27, 2026.
