In a grand display of recognition for his unwavering support of grassroots football, Chief Barrister Isaac Danladi, the Permanent Secretary of Nasarawa State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, was honored as the Patron of the Abuja Unity Pre-season Tournament.
This off-season competition, which features clubs from Nigeria’s elite, second, and third divisions as well as non-league teams, serves as a critical preparation for the upcoming Nigeria Premier Football League season.
Danladi received the prestigious title during the final match of the tournament’s third edition, held on Sunday afternoon at the Area 3 Football Pitch in Garki, Abuja.
The honor was bestowed upon him by the tournament’s Chairman and sponsor, Mr. Patrick Ngwaogu, who praised Danladi for his “unalloyed commitment and support” in promoting the tournament.
Overjoyed by the recognition, Danladi pledged to intensify his backing for the competition, even expressing his ambition to have the tournament hosted in Nasarawa State.
“On behalf of my family and the good people of Nasarawa State, let me express my gratitude and appreciation to the organizers of this competition for finding me worthy, in this circumstance, to be bestowed with this beautiful award,” Danladi stated during his acceptance speech.
Reflecting on the importance of the tournament, he emphasized its role in preparing teams for the season ahead and revealed plans to lobby Nasarawa State’s Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, to host the next edition in the state capital, Lafia. “Lessons learnt from this competition are not ephemeral but long-lasting,” he remarked, underscoring the tournament’s value to participating teams.
The final match saw Nationwide League One side, Like Minds FC of Abuja, pull off a surprising 1-0 victory over Nigeria Premier Football League side Niger Tornadoes,
with Lucky Chidum Ojukwu scoring the decisive goal in the 72nd minute. Eleven teams, including Nasarawa United and Plateau United, participated in the week-long event, which kicked off on August 12, 2024.
