Suleja local government have emerged champions of 2019/ 2020 Niger state governors’ cup, after edging Chanchaga local government 5-3 on penalty shoots out, as normal duration ended 0-0 at Sani bello football complex- Kontagora Niger state.
The 39 edition of power state annual competition was historic in nature, as the finalists displayed good football artistry which rivet the attention of over 5,000 bystanders and other top dignitaries who thronged Sani bello football field in their large numbers; Suleja FC and Chanchaga FC had to stretched out themselves to penalties after normal duration ended nil all draw. The highlights of this year’s final were centred around reigning champ (Suleja local government), as they continued to show brilliance in all their displays on that day. Although, the nearness of Sani bello football complex, was advantageous to Chanchaga FC football fans seeing them everywhere at the stadium – cheering their team passionately but the eventual winners were not technically and tactically pressured by the fans antics throughout the encounter.
Based on facts, match odds did not really favor Suleja as book makers and punters believed Chanchaga FC would coast home to victory hinging it on the motivation by its local government chairman who had promised to compensate them handsomely, if they win this year’s Niger state governors cup final.
Meanwhile, host city, Kontagora walked over Katcha local government in the third place match -prior to the finals. The third place match was scheduled for 8am, however, Katcha FC came about 9am, after giving grace of 20 minutes by the local organising committee. The organizers felt Katcha were nonchalant to the rules of football thus, they activated the section of football statutes which frowns at such scenario in a football competition.
En route the final match, Chanchaga local government and Kontagora played 3-2 on penalties whilst Suleja FC defeated Katcha local government 4-3 on penalties.
Historically, Suleja local government have now hoists Niger state governors cup 11 times, trailing this year’s runners up -Chanchaga local government, who has won lifted the diadem 13 good times since inception of the tournament in 1980.
This year’s outstanding performers :
Highest goals scorer; Emmanuel John, from Kontagora FC – clinched the golden ball award with 7 goals.
Most valuable player; Chanchaga FC midfielder -Mohammed Ajayi was adjudged as MVP.
Best goalkeeper;
Suleja FC’s Junior Kolo went home with the golden gloves.
Moreover, the 2019/2020 Niger state governors cup was kneeling contested between 24 teams from 25 local governments in the state, which obviously is one the memorable takeaways from this year’s 2 weeks marathon of – epic football showpiece in Niger state.
