From Abel Leonard, Lafia
Lafia Local Government Area, the defending champions of the Nasarawa State U-13 Inter-Primary School Football Tournament, began their title defence with a convincing 3-0 win over debutants Toto LGA in the opening match of the 2025 edition.
The match, played at Rishama College Football Field in Akwanga, was part of the opening day activities of the tournament, which was declared open by Governor Abdullahi Sule, represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Kwanta Yakubu.
In his remarks, Hon. Yakubu said the tournament represents the state government’s commitment to grassroots sports development. “We believe in catching them young. What you are seeing here today is a clear demonstration of our administration’s investment in youth development through sports,” he stated.
Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Dan-Musa Mohammed, welcomed participants and commended the support from sponsors and stakeholders. “This year is unique because, for the first time, all thirteen local government areas are participating. It’s a great milestone,” he said.
Adamu Idris opened scoring for Lafia in the 4th minute, while Usman Umar netted a brace in the 24th and 46th minutes, securing the victory for the Group A leaders. The group also features Nasarawa Eggon LGA.
The opening ceremony attracted dignitaries, including Hon. Larry Ven-Bawa, Chief Whip of the State House of Assembly; Hon. Yahaya Baba Ahmed, Executive Chairman of Toto LGA; Salisu Usman Galadima ‘Basira’, Chairman, Nasarawa State Football Association; Dr. Danladi Jatau, Acting Provost, College of Education, Akwanga; and HRH Amb. Habila Adamu Aboki (Chun Nku), among others.
An exhibition match between Akwanga All Stars and Selected All Stars added excitement to the ceremony, ending 2-1 in favour of the hosts.
The tournament continues on Friday, 23rd May, with four matches scheduled. Akwanga will face Obi at Mada Hills Secondary School Field by 8:00 a.m., while Karu takes on Wamba at Rishama College at the same time. Doma will meet Kokona at 10:00 a.m. at Mada Hills, and Lafia returns to action against Nasarawa Eggon at 10:00 a.m. at Rishama College.
Only two teams from each group will qualify for the quarter-finals.
The tournament is sponsored by the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa State, Hon. Aliyu Bello, who is also the founder of the Aliyu Bello Charity Foundation, in partnership with the Nasarawa State Government and the Nasarawa State Football Association.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Bello said, “We are committed to building a new generation of football stars from our primary schools. This tournament is not just about competition; it’s about building a future for these children.”