…as Lafia Local Government Triumphs Over Nasarawa Local Government 3-0 in 2024 Governor’s Cup Final
By Leo Abel, Lafia
Governor Abdullahi A. Sule of Nasarawa State has taken significant steps to enhance the state’s reputation as a center for grassroots football by securing the hosting rights for the 2025 Alhan Pre-Season Tournament. This announcement was made during the grand finale of the 2024 Governor’s Cup on Saturday, where Lafia Local Government triumphed over Nasarawa Local Government with an impressive 3-0 victory at Lafia Township Stadium.
At the closing ceremony, Governor Sule praised the achievements of all thirteen local government teams that participated in the month-long tournament, highlighting the importance of sports in promoting unity and nurturing talent in Nasarawa. “I congratulate all the teams for their commitment and resilience. In this Governor’s Cup, there is no victor or vanquished. Every team deserves recognition for their sportsmanship and dedication,” he stated.
To celebrate the success of the winning Lafia Local Government team, the governor announced sponsorship for the team to travel to Uyo, where they will have the opportunity to watch the Super Eagles compete against Rwanda. “Experiencing a high-stakes match like this will inspire and motivate our players,” Sule remarked. Furthermore, he pledged to sponsor the best players from each team to attend international games, providing them with valuable exposure to global football standards.
In a significant development for grassroots football in the state, Governor Sule accepted an invitation from NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau to host the 2025 Alhan Pre-Season Tournament in Nasarawa. This annual event, organized by the Ibrahim Gusau Foundation, showcases top-tier Nigerian Premier League talent and attracts scouts from across the country. “We’re eager to welcome the Alhan Pre-Season Tournament and are committed to preparing adequately for a successful event,” Sule assured attendees.
Alhaji Gusau commended Governor Sule and the Nasarawa Football Association, led by Chairman Alhaji Salisu Galadima, for revitalizing the Governor’s Cup after nearly two decades. “Nasarawa State is positioning itself as a true home for sports, especially football. Events like this uncover hidden talent and elevate the state’s status,” Gusau noted.
Alhaji Salisu Galadima, Chairman of the Nasarawa State Football Association, expressed gratitude for Governor Sule’s efforts in reviving the Governor’s Cup. “This competition lay dormant for twenty years until the governor’s administration helped us bring it back. It’s a new beginning for Nasarawa football,” he remarked.
He also acknowledged Super Eagles interim coach Augustine Eguavoen for inviting three players from Nasarawa United—Anas Yusuf, Victor Collins, and Mohammed Galadima—to join the Super Eagles for the upcoming AFCON qualifiers.
Dignitaries present at the event included NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, Super Eagles Interim Coach Augustine Eguavoen, Nasarawa State FA Chairman Alhaji Salisu Galadima, and the Honourable Commissioner of Sports, along with other key figures in Nasarawa’s sports sector.
