Lapai, Lavun LG emerges Niger Gov's cup finalists
Lapai, Lavun LG emerges Niger Gov's cup finalists
By Abubakar Hassan
Lapai and Lavun local governments have emerged as the finalists of this year's Niger State Governor's Cup Football Competition, tagged "Lapai 2024."
Lapai local government team defeated Suleja LG by 2-1 in the first Semi Final Match decided at Mohammadu Kobo Secondary School field 1, in Lapai.
On the other hand, Lavun LG emerges the second finalist, as the team defeated Kontagora local government team by 4-3 via penalty shootout, after a goalless draw at regulation time, in the match decided at Mohammadu Kobo Secondary School field 2.
As it stands now, the final of this year's Governor's Cup will be an all zone A affairs, as the two finalists are both from Niger South senatorial district, known as zone A.
Equally, the finals will feature two local governments with two prominent political office holders presently in the state, as the state Commissioner for local government and chieftancy affairs, Hon. Hamidu Mu'azu Jantabo hails from Lapai LG, the Chief of Staff, Hon. Abdullahi Usman Gbatamangi comes from Lavun LG.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the organizing and disciplinary (O and D) committee of the Niger State Football Association (NSFA), Mallam Yabagi A. Baba has commended the sportsmanship behaviour exhibited by the participants so far in the tournament.
He equally urged the last four teams that will be playing the third place match and the finals to maintain the tempo in the final day of the tournament.
Mallam Yabagi who is also the first vice chairman of NSFA also observed that the Lapai 2024 Governor's Cup has so far live up to expectations with all the 25 local government teams springing surprises.
He also disclosed that NSFA is awaiting approval for the date of the finals from the Farmer Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago, which according to him will be communicated to all stakeholders.
He equally appreciated Lapai Emirate council and the local government council, as well as the local organizing committee, ably led by Alhaji Umar Makun Lapai for their support and hospitality towards the successes so far recorded in the tournament.
