From Abel Leonard, Lafia
Akwanga Local Government Area has emerged champions of the 3rd edition of the Nasarawa State U-13 Inter-Primary School Football Tournament, defeating defending champions Lafia in a dramatic 5-4 penalty shootout on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.
The final, played at the Rishama College Football Field, Akwanga, ended 1-1 in regulation time, prompting a tense penalty decider. Both teams converted four of their five initial spot kicks before Akwanga netted the winner. Lafia’s final effort went over the bar, sealing victory for the hosts in front of a jubilant home crowd.
In the third-place match, Keffi Local Government Area edged Doma 5-4 on penalties after a goalless draw.
Governor Abdullahi Sule, represented by his Deputy, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, presented trophies and cash prizes to the top teams. Akwanga received a cheque of One Million Naira, Lafia got Seven Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira, and Keffi earned Five Hundred Thousand Naira. The Deputy Governor also personally donated Three Hundred Thousand Naira to Doma.
Governor Sule commended the 13 participating LGAs for their performance and praised the sponsor, Hon. Aliyu Bello, for his commitment to youth development through sports.
“This tournament continues to serve as a platform for talent discovery. I encourage individuals and institutions to support this noble cause,” he said.
The Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Kwanta Yakubu, said the competition aligns with the state’s vision for talent development. He noted that scouts from the newly established Nasarawa United Feeder Team would identify top performers for further grooming.
“The ministry is committed to developing these young talents. We commend the teams for their discipline and performance,” Kwanta stated.
Representative of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Abubakar Barde, applauded the organizers, describing all participants as winners.
Sponsor of the tournament and founder of the Aliyu Bello Charity Foundation, Hon. Aliyu Bello (PhD), expressed gratitude to the state government and stakeholders for their support.
“This initiative has opened a new chapter in grassroots football development. We will continue to nurture these children toward greater opportunities,” he said.
Individual awards were also presented. Usman Usman (Lafia) won the Golden Boot, Zubairu Aliyu (Lafia) was named Most Valuable Player, Yahaya Umar (Akwanga) was awarded Best Goalkeeper, while Maitala emerged Best Coach.
Dignitaries at the final included the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau; State Accountant General, Dr. Ahmed Mohammed; Chief Whip and Member representing Akwanga North, Hon. Larry Ven-Bawa;
Others include, Chairman, NSUBEB, Dr. Kassim Muhammad Kassim; Chairman of Nasarawa United FC, Solomon Babanjah; traditional rulers, and various local government chairmen.
The tournament, which ran from May 21 to 27, 2025, was organized to mark International Children’s Day and the sixth anniversary of Governor Abdullahi Sule’s administration.
The sponsor announced that Keffi Local Government Area will host the 4th edition from May 20 to 27, 2026.