By Eche Amos
In a nail-biting conclusion to the maiden edition of the North Central Zonal All Stars’ Football Tournament, Akwanga All Stars FC, representing Nasarawa State, was crowned champions after a dramatic 4-3 penalty shootout victory on Saturday evening.
The match had ended 1-1 apiece with Captain Hassan Dogara ‘Roma’ scoring Akwanga All Stars’ goal, while Mustapha Para netted for Kuje Veterans FC of Abuja in regulation time, setting the stage for an intense showdown from the spot.
Amidst a packed Rishama College Football Field, Akwanga, venue of the tournament, filled with a handful of dignitaries, distinguished royal father, and spectators, Kuje Veterans FC lost two out of their five spot kicks, while Akwanga All Stars converted four out of their five spot kicks, with substitute, Henry Patrick, scoring the decider that sealed the win for the hosts.
The Executive Chairman of Toto Local Government Area together with the Abaga Toni of Garaku in Kokona Local Government Area, His Royal Highness, Lawrence Ayih 11, of Nasarawa State co-presented the Champions’ medals and trophy to Akwanga All Stars.
Executive Chairman of Toto Local Government Area, Hon. Pharm. Yayaha Baba-Ahmed, commended the Organizers for hosting a successful competition.
“I am here on the invitation of my jolly good fellow and Chairman of Akwanga All Stars, Mr. Eche Amos. In fact, I left every other activity in my Local Government Area to be here because I don’t know how to explain to my friend that I can’t make it.
“I have been a sport person all my life, and participated fully in football activities during my University days.
“I congratulate all the teams for coming together to engage in this tournament, despite not actively playing football again.
“This tournament is about peace and unity, social cohesion and keeping fit and living healthy.
“It’s fun all through, and I think people should try to take time out of their busy schedules to unwind and catch fun to ease the pressures of life.
“In my little way, I am supporting this tournament with the sum of Two Hundred Thousand Naira(N200,000.00).”
In his brief remarks, the Abaga Toni, HRH. Lawrence Ayih, praised the organizers for hosting a historic event.
“This tournament reminds me of my playing days.
“The Organizers have done a great job here, especially that I can see my old friends participating in this competition.
“The Chairman of Akwanga All Stars FC and my friend, Mr. Eche Amos, kept pressurizing me to attend the grand finale. He is someone I hold in high esteem, so, I had no option but to attend despite my tight schedules, and it was worth it in all aspects.
“I encourage you to sustain this noble initiative because the benefits are enormous.
“I congratulate Akwanga All Stars for winning the tournament, and I congratulate the other teams for the display of sportsmanship and camaraderie throughout the tournament.”
The paramount ruler donated the sum of Two Hundred Thousand Naira(N200,000.00) to support the tournament.
Chairman of the Nasarawa State Football Referees’ Council, Isah Mohammed, and Chairman of Akwanga Local Government Area Football Council, Usman Kassim, presented the runners-up medals to Kuje Veterans, while former Vice Chairman of the Nasarawa State Football Association, Hon. Haladu Akwashiki, hung medals on the match officials.
Individual awards were equally presented to Hassan Dogara of Akwanga All Stars as Highest Goalscorer of the tournament with two goals; Goalkeeper, Obadiah Alaku Namo, of Akwanga All Stars also scooped the Golden Gloves award as Best Goalkeeper, conceding only once in the tournament with Director of Information, Nasarawa State Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, donating the Gloves, while Omoh Yamah ‘Tormentor’ of Pro Leisure FC of Jos won the Most Valuable Player of the Tournament award.
Adamu Jibril of Kuje Veterans FC of Abuja was named Coach of the Tournament.
In the third-place play-off decided earlier, Pro Leisure FC of Jos, Plateau State, defeated Makurdi All Stars FC of Gaadi, Benue State, 2-0.
Certificate of participation was issued to each of the participating teams.
Organizers also presented medals to dignitaries who attended the grand finale.
According to the Chairman of Akwanga All Stars FC who doubled as Coordinator of the Organizing Committee, Mr. Eche Amos, the tournament, hosted in collaboration with the Nasarawa State Government and Access Bank PLC, Akwanga Branch, aimed to propagate peaceful co-existence, encourage social cohesion, support the growth and development of grassroots football talents, encourage healthy living, and as well support Governments at all levels to build a prosperous North Central Zone.
He thanked the Grand Patron of Akwanga All Stars and Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, for approving and supporting the successful hosting of the tournament.
He equally appreciated the Nasarawa State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development under the leadership of Hon. Kwanta Yakubu; the Nasarawa State Football Association, headed by Salisu Galadima; the State Referees’ Council, chaired by Isah Mohammed, for their support to the completion.
The two-day tournament kickstarted on Friday, 5th September, and ended 6th of same month.
