By Leo Zwanke, Lafia
The 9th edition of the Mailafiya Peace and Unity Football Tournament kicked off on Saturday with Greater Tomorrow Football Club of Lafia defeating the defending champions, Thunder FC of Agyragu, 2–1 in a thrilling opening match.
The keenly contested game, held at the Government Secondary School Football Field, Daddare, in Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, marked the official commencement of the annual grassroots football event aimed at promoting peace, unity, and youth development across the state.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Nasarawa State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Yakubu Kwanta, commended the Yakubu Mailafiya Foundation for sustaining the tournament over the years. He described its founder, Yakubu Mailafiya, as “a man of vision, focus, and passion for youth empowerment,” applauding his consistency in promoting grassroots sports.
Kwanta reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Abdullahi Sule’s administration to continue investing in youth and sports development.
“The governor is committed to discovering and nurturing young talents who can represent Nasarawa State at national and international levels,” the commissioner stated.
He further directed the Chairman of Nasarawa United, Solomon Babanja, and the club’s technical crew to attend the tournament matches for talent scouting.
“I want the technical team to seize this opportunity to identify potential players who can strengthen both the main and feeder teams,” Kwanta added.
Other dignitaries at the event, including the Sangarin Shabu, Hon. Mamud Umar Bwala; Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development, Hon. David Moyi; and former SUBEB Chairman, Mohammed DanAzumi, also lauded Mailafiya’s contributions to football and community development.
They noted that the tournament has become a unifying platform for people of diverse ethnic, religious, and political backgrounds in the state.
“This tournament has become a symbol of peace and brotherhood in Nasarawa State, bringing people together beyond their differences,” Hon. Bwala said.
In his remarks, the organiser and founder, Yakubu Mailafiya, said the competition was designed to use sports as a tool to promote peace, unity, and youth empowerment, while also providing young footballers with a platform to showcase their talents.
“This year’s edition is focused on bringing young people together and discovering new talents that can make Nasarawa State proud,” Mailafiya stated.
“I also call on private organizations and individuals to support sports development as part of their corporate social responsibility. Investing in youth sports is investing in the future,” he added.
Meanwhile, Nasarawa United Technical Adviser, Coach Mangut Mbwas, was present at the venue to scout for promising players for potential recruitment.
A total of 32 teams are participating in this year’s tournament, which continues to stand as one of Nasarawa State’s most celebrated grassroots sporting events.
