Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, on Monday, inspected the Lafia City Stadium ahead of the 2023/24 Nigeria National League’s opener between Nasarawa United versus Zamfara United scheduled for Saturday, 11th November, 2023.
The visit was to ensure the facility receives the finishing touches and meets the required standard for the new football league season.
The Governor who was received by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Jafaru Ango, alongside the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Chief Barr. Isaac Danladi disclosed that sections of the stadium that needed urgent repairs included the VIP and Popular Stands as well as the laying of Tartan Tracks.
Sule explained that the NNL Organizers had written him on the choice of the Lafia City Stadium as a venue to host the curtain raiser for the 2023/24 League campaign between hosts, Nasarawa United, versus Zamfara United this weekend, adding that part of his earnest desire is to ensure the immediate return of the Solid Miners to the top-flight football league in Nigeria by according them the necessary support.
The governor promised to host the historic league opener and provide visitors with the rich hospitality and components of the State.
Shortly after the inspection tour, the Governor shared a moment with officials and players of Nasarawa United FC who were training at the time.
He thanked the Management headed by Dr. Othman Ibrahim Ahmed and the Coaching Staff led by Usman Adams for ensuring the selection of the best players for the new season.
“I am happy with the development going on in the team. It means we are gingered towards an improved league season.
“At the end of the day, we should have the best for the team so that we can face the challenges ahead with the best.
“I thank you for showing interest in the State. This period, we want to ensure that we go back to where we belong, that’s the Nigeria Premier Football League, and we are being encouraged now by the leadership of the NNL who have chosen the Lafia City Stadium to herald the 2023/24 League Season.
“So, I felt it won’t be nice to do that leaving our stadium the way it’s looking, which is why I have to come myself and discuss with the contractors and instruct them to do some facelifts to serve as encouragement and morale booster to the Club.
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“As a Government, we are also interested in what you are doing, we are interested in the Club, and we are ensuring we give you the needed support wherever we can.
“As regards your request for a brand new Club bus, Insha Allah, you will get it in due course”, the Governor promised.
The Captain of the Club, King Osanga(MON), appreciated the Governor for visiting the team, stating that it was a morale booster.
He thanked the Governor for appointing a new Management for the team, assuring that they would collaborate effectively to return the team to the elite domestic football league, the NPFL.
On the entourage of the Governor was the Secretary to the Government of Nasarawa State, Barr. Ubandoma Aliyu Mohammed; Accountant-General, Rt. Hon. Ahmed Musa Mohammed; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports Affairs, Comr. Hamza Ibrahim Moyi; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth and Students’ Affairs, Rt. Hon. Shuaibu Sani, among others.
