The Lafia City Stadium, on Saturday, witnessed the crème de la crème of Nasarawa State at the final of the Lafia Emir’s Unity Cup Football Tournament between Greater Tomorrow FC versus Akurba United FC.
The second edition of the grassroots competition began in 2022 with thirty-eight teams from across Lafia Council Area.
Nasarawa State Deputy Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Agbadu Akabe, who represented Governor Abdullahi Sule, performed the symbolic kick-off of the final match.
He was accompanied to perform the task by host of the competition and Emir of Lafia, His Royal Highness, Justice (Rtd) Sidi Bage (Chairman, Traditional Council of Chiefs, Nasarawa State), and Permanent Secretary of the State’s Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Chief Barr. Isaac Danladi.
At full-time, Greater Tomorrow FC were crowned champions, beating Akurba United FC 2-0, with Mohammed Shammasu scoring both goals.
A gigantic trophy, medals and cash prize of five hundred thousand naira were co-presented to the winners by the Deputy Governor and Emir of Lafia.
Secretary to the Government of Nasarawa State, Barr. Aliyu Ubandoma, presented trophy and cash prizes to the runners-up and 3rd-place teams respectively.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Chief Barr. Isaac Danladi, presented individual awards to the Most Valuable Player and members of Nasarawa State Football Association Normalisation Committee headed by Hon. Aliyu Bello, alongside his Vice and Immediate-past Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Kwanta Yakubu, and former Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Othman Bala Adam.
Awards were also presented to the Highest Goal scorer, Best Goalkeeper, as well as Best Coach of the tournament.
Medals of Honour were presented to the Deputy Governor by the Emir of Lafia, with the latter doing same on the former.
Rector, Isah Mustapha Agwai 1 Polytechnic, Lafia, Dr. Justina Anjiode Kotso, presented medal of honour to the Madakin Lafia and Patron of the Emir’s Cup.
Executive Chairman, Keffi Local Government Area, Hon. Muhammad Baba Shehu, and Member representing Lafia Central at the State House of Assembly, Hon. Solomon Yakubu Akwashiki, were equally recognized.
Permanent Secretaries from various Ministries of the State, Heads of MDAs, politicians and other stakeholders attended the grand finale amidst large spectators.
