Bida LG emerges 2023 Niger Governor’s Cup Champions
By Abubakar Hassan
Bida local government football team has emerged as the champions of the 2023 edition of Niger state Governor’s Cup football competition.
The Bida team defeated hard fighting Munya local government team by a lone goal to emerged champions, in the final match decided at the Federal Polytechnic Bida mini stadium, on Saturday.
The only goal of the whole 90 minute duration was scored by Tauheed Chekpa in the second half of the match as first half ended goalless despite Munya local government taken the highest ball possession in the first 45 minutes.
The state Commissioner for youths and sports development, Hon Ibrahim Gulbin-Boka who represented the state Governor, Farmer Mohammed Umar Bago at the event reiterated the commitment of the state government to engage the youths in the state meaningfully through sporting activities.
He observed that sports development is synonymous to youths development because the youths form the greater part of those who engages in sporting activities, and that any effort towards sports development is a positive step towards youths empowerment.
The Governor added that the state will use sports to curb youths restiveness in the state and to also take them away from all forms of social vices so that they will be beneficial to themselves, their families and the society in general, noting that sport is no longer leisure but serious business and urged the youths in the state to embrace the opportunity offered them by the state government to better their lives through sports.
Also, the state Commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs, Hon. Hamidu Mu’azu Jantabo who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Aliyu Abubakar Mila expressed delight over the success of the tournament.
He assured that the ministry which is the financier of the state Governor’s Cup football competition will continue to provide the necessary support to both the organizers and the 25 local government to ensure that the tournament is stage yearly.
Similarly, the member representing Bida South in the state assembly, Hon. Mohammed Haruna Dokodza expressed happiness that Bida local government team won the tournament for the third time and the first edition under the present administration of Farmer Governor Umar Bago.
He reassured his unflinching support to the Bida team, saying he has been supporting teams from Bida as part of his contribution towards youths and sports development in Bida.
The Chairman of Munya local government Hon. Aminu Najume in a post match reaction said it was his wish that Munya wins the tournament for the first time in the history of the local government, but appreciated God for making them reach the finals haven qualified from the group stage as one of the best losers.
In his remarks also, the Chairman of Niger State Football Association (NSFA) who is equally the chairman of Chairmen, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Comrade Ahmed Yusuf Fresh disclosed that the state FA is the custodian of all football activities in the state.
He added that the Governor’s Cup is the biggest grassroots football competition organized by NSFA, which amongst are the state Super League and state Speaker’s Cup, adding that the state FA is one of the best in terms of grassroot football development in the country.
Comrade Yusuf Fresh appreciated the support of the state government through the ministry of local government and chieftaincy affairs as well as individuals who contributed to success of the 2023 edition of the Governor’s Cup, and also the participants who exhibited a high sense of sportsmanship throughout the competition.
Highlights of the event were presentation of Medals, trophies and cash rewards to players and teams that were outstanding during the tournament, while various individuals who contributed to the success of the tournament were also recognized with varieties of awards, including Farmer Governor Umar Bago.
