The second edition of the Nasarawa State under-13 tournament shocked football fans as Doma Local Government area defeated the defending champions, Wamba Local Government area in the opening match of the inter-primary school boys’ competition at the Lafia City stadium.
Doma scored the only goal of the game to defeat the defending champion during the extra time of the game.
The competition was sponsored by Aliyu Bello Charity Foundation in collaboration with Nasarawa State Football Association and the Nasarawa State Government.
It was organized to commemorate the International Children’s Day as well as the first year in the second tenure of Gov. Abdullahi Sule of the state.
Speaking at the end of the opening ceremony, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), of the foundation, Aliyu Bello, said he was motivated by the desire to build the youth and discover the hidden talents with a view of promoting them.
He explained that football was no longer being played for leisure, but it is now a carrier and a very big business venture.
“I am telling you, we are doing this because we want to make Nasarawa State one of the best football playing state in the federation.
“We are doing this not because of any personal benefit, the benefit is for the children to gain exposure, experience.
“The talents discovered at the end of the competition would be promoted to bigger clubs and even exported to Europe,” he added.
He explained that the competition was in collaboration with the state government for Primary School pupils between nine and 13 years.
Also speaking, Nasarawa State FA Chairman, Salisu Galadima, appreciated the foundation for supporting sports development.
He promised that the FA would invite coaches of football clubs to come for the finals to watch them with a view of selecting the best for further development.
Meanwhile, Chairman organising committee, Danmusa Mohammed, promised a leveled playing field for all teams to expressed themselves.
He therefore said that they would ensure that officials maintain professionalism.
Wamba LGA won the first edition of the competition in 2023.
