It was a Tuesday to remember by players and officials of Nasarawa State-owned women’s football club, Nasarawa Amazons, as Governor Abdullahi Sule rewarded their determination and consistency in the Nigerian Women’s Premier Football League with eleven thousand dollars cash.
At a special reception held in honour of the team at the Government House, Lafia, Governor Sule gave two thousand, six hundred dollars to the six players of the Club currently at the National U-20(Falconets) camp, with four of the players, namely, Goalkeeper Unachukwu Udoka Rachael, defender Alani Jumoke, midfielder Yina Adoo and midfielder Shobowale Olushola, who were released from camp to help the Amazons prosecute their match-day nine tie against visiting Naija Ratels on Wednesday(tomorrow) each getting five hundred dollars, while the duo of midfielder Kalu Chinyere and defender Oluchi Ohaegbulam, still in camp, each getting three hundred dollars from the Governor’s largesse.
Each of the thirty players who attended the ceremony at the Government House got two hundred dollars while the four coaches of the Lafia-based side got three hundred dollars each, with the exception of National Team Goalkeeper Trainer, Yahaya Audu, who got five hundred dollars.
The Governor’s magnanimity and generosity also extended to the Chairperson of Nasarawa Amazons, Hajiya Hussaina Suleiman Nagogo, as she got one thousand dollars in what the Governor described as “for her charismatic and result-oriented leadership”.
In his address, the Governor thanked the Club for doing the State proud by bringing glory to it and her people.
“I may not have the opportunity to come and watch your games, but I have been following up on all your activities in the league secretly, especially the highlights, through your WhatsApp platform, even though we don’t have another Eche Amos in your Group who keeps updating us via the Nasarawa United platform and others with all the happenings, and wherever I am in the world, he keeps me informed, and I must say we are so proud of what you are doing.
“So, I wanted an opportunity to thank you for making Nasarawa State proud. Many of my Governor colleagues would wish that they had the Amazons in their own States because I talk to my colleagues a lot and I follow up on everything they say about you.
“Indeed, you are doing a fantastic job and performing wonders despite the meagre resources available to you compared to what other States have and spend on their teams.
“I am always proud of the commitment and dedication of the Management of the Club headed by Hajiya Hussaina Suleiman, no wonder every member of the club is proud of her and the coaches.
“Since I don’t have so much to offer to you for all you are doing for our State, I am personally donating the sum of five hundred dollars to each of the four players who came from the National Camp, three hundred dollars to each of the two players who could not make it from the National Camp because the handlers could only release four players, two hundred dollars to each of the home players, three hundred dollars to each of the coaches and one thousand dollars to the Chairperson of the Club, Hajiya Hussaina Suleiman Nagogo because she has been exemplary.
“This is not a pledge, but I am giving you the cash right here.”
Earlier, Chairperson of Nasarawa Amazons, Hajiya Hussaina Suleiman Nagogo, told the Governor that they were at the Government House to congratulate him and his Deputy following the Supreme Court’s Judgement that affirmed his election as duly elected Governor of Nasarawa State and to appreciate him for all his supports to the Club.
“Your Excellency, we are here to congratulate you and your worthy Deputy on your affirmation by the Supreme Court as Governor of Nasarawa State.
“Our joy knew no bounds when you said we should come to visit you and make our presentation.
“Since Your Excellency assumed Office in 2019, we do not lack anything, unless we don’t request for it.
“It may interest Your Excellency to note that we have six of our players and our Head Coach at the National U-20( Falconets) camp, and four of the players were released to us, upon request, to help us prosecute our game tomorrow(Wednesday). We have so many players at the various National Women’s Teams, including the Super Falcons, Falconets and Flamingos, so also are our coaches.
“All these are possible because you are always there for us and giving us the needed support.
“We are eternally grateful for all you do for us and the team.
“We will continue to do our best to reward the gesture of Your Excellency and the good people of the State.”
Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Dr. Emmanuel Agbadu Akabe, Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Jafaru Ango, Permanent Secretary, Nasarawa State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Chief Barr. Isaac Danladi, Chairman, Nasarawa State Football Association, Salisu Galadima(a.k.a Basira) and the Supporters’ Club of Nasarawa Amazons FC attended the event.
Highpoint of the visit was the presentation of customised jerseys of the Club to the Governor by the Chairperson.
In a related development, Nasarawa Amazons, still basking in the euphoria of their 4-0 whitewashing of hapless Royal Queens of Sapele in their match-day eight clash a week ago, will return to action on Wednesday, 21st February, 2024, when they slug it out against visiting Naija Ratels of Abuja, at the Lafia City Stadium, with a mandate to consolidate on their premium form and return to the summit of the Abridged 2023/24 NWFL Group ‘A’ table.
The Amazons are joint-top in Group ‘A’ with 14 points with Heartland Queens having superior goal advantage of plus one.
Eight teams make up each of the Groups, with three teams qualifying from each Group to participate in the Super six competition to determine the eventual winners of the new League Season.
Source/Eche Amos
