Defending Champions Thunder FC Scores Lone Goal At MaiLafia Tournament.
By Amina Mohammed, Lafia.
The 8th edition of the MaiLafia Peace and Unity competition has come to a climax with the Defending Champions, Thunder Football Club ( FC) of Agyaragu, defeating one time winner of the competition, Obi United FC 1-0.
Jubilation as fans from all walks of life packed the stands, cheering both teams as the final of the annual Peace and Unity Football tournament began on Thursday at Daddere Primary School football field in Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, North Central Nigeria.
Although both teams started on a good note with Obi United FC securing more chances to score in the first half of the game.
However, Thunder FC, a team determined to dethrone them after observing their performances throughout the first half which ended goalless rose up to take charge of the game in the second part of the proceeding.
Thunder FC, the reigning champions, had triumphed in last year’s edition with a dominating display of skill and strategy. But this year, the stakes were higher With whispers of Obi United FC’ fiery attack and unyielding defense, it was clear the match would be a grueling test of Thunder’s resilience.
The defending Champions quickly asserted control at the resumption of the second half when Augustine Joshua Jersey number 14 scored the winning goal thus, sending soccer enthusiasts into wild jubilation.
When the final whistle blew, the crowd erupted into joyful moments, Thunder FC had done it again, defending their title with a hard-fought 1-0 victory.
Speaking in an interview with Journalists, the organiser of the tournament, ACP Yakubu Agabi stated that the competition had come to stay, assuring that he would continue to do his best in order to harness young talents as well as unite the unite across the state through sports.
Agabi said that the government alone cannot do all, therefore calling on spirited individuals and corporate organisation to help develop skills among the youths for the progress of the state.
He revealed that preparation has already started for the next edition of the tournament.
Also speaking , the state commissioner of Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Jaafar Ango represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry Dr Alhassan Adamu said the state will continue to give support to grassroot sports, saying that the competition is an avenue to harness young talents and develop them.
“So far, the highest goal scorer at the NPFL , Anas Yusuf was one of the proceeds of this competition and we hope that more of these would be harvested here,” he said.
He promised to support the organiser of the tournament and other individuals who may want to organise such events that will help in harvesting young talents from the grassroots.
On his part, the chairman of Football Association ( FA) in state, Alhaji Salisu Galadima while appreciating the initiator of the tournament, describing it as one of the competitions in the state.
He also thanked the people of the area for the support given to the competition since its establishment and called for its sustenance.
Also speaking, the Sangarin Daddere, Alhaji Abubakar Sa’ad said the people of the area were grateful to the donor of the competition who has been doing his best for the past eight years.
He said the competition has not just brought the youths together but has also brought progress to the community, Obi LGA and state at large.
For the General Manager of Nasarawa Broadcasting Service (NBS) Aloko Flashman, ACP Yakubu Agabi Mailafia has already written his name in gold as far as grassroot football development is concern in Africa and encouraged members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) to continue investing football stars from the grassroot through their reportage.
ACP Agabi was given an award of humanitarian service based on his development of the youths in the state by the Students Union Government ( SUG), Ahmadu Bello University,( ABU), Zaria under the leadership of Comrade Simon Ajeh.
Voice of Nigeria reports that the 1st position (Thunder FC) was given the sum of 1 million naira, 2nd place ( Obi United FC)went home with N700,000 while the 3rd (Giant Killers FC of Agyaragu) and 4th (Stallion FC) positions received N500,000 and N300,000 respectively.
Meanwhile, the Best Goal Keeper was given to Obi United FC goal keeper, Agwai Ahmed, highest goal scorer award who scored 6 goals in the tournament went to Nazifi Inusa of Giant Killers of Agyaragu town.
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