The Niger State Government has announced plans to construct a stadium in each of the 25 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state to promote grassroots sports development and combat youth restiveness.
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago disclosed this during the finals of the 45th Governor’s Cup Football Competition, held at the IBBU Lapai Kobo Campus football field in Lapai.
Lapai United triumphed in the final match, defeating Lavun United with an emphatic 3-0 victory to claim the coveted trophy.
Governor Bago announced that the pilot stadium project would commence in Lapai, honoring the local government area for its victorious team.
The governor described the competition as a landmark event, emphasizing that the planned stadia would foster talent and create opportunities for youth across the state.
He congratulated Lapai United for their stellar performance and urged other teams to embrace the spirit of sportsmanship.
In his commitment to rewarding excellence, Governor Bago announced cash prizes for the top teams: N20 million for Lapai United, N10 million for Lavun United, and N5 million for Suleja United, who finished third. He also awarded N10 million and a bus to the Niger State Football Association, organizers of the competition.
Governor Bago called for the next edition of the Governor’s Cup to be hosted in Niger North Senatorial District to ensure equitable participation across the state.
Trophies and medals were presented to the top three teams, with individual awards for the highest goal scorer, most valuable player, and best goalkeeper.
Distinguished guests, including the Emir of Lapai, Alhaji Umaru Bago Tafida III, Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly Abdulmalik Sarkin Daji, and Secretary to the State Government Abubakar Usman, received merit awards at the event.
The 45th Governor’s Cup featured teams from all 25 LGAs, underscoring the state’s commitment to grassroots sports.
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