Lafia Local Government kicked off their defense of the 3rd edition of the Nasarawa State U-13 Inter-primary school football tournament with a thrilling 3-0 win over Toto LG at the Rishama Comprehensive College Playground in Akwanga on Thursday evening.

The match saw Adamu Idris break the deadlock in the 4th minute with a swift counter-attack goal, before Usman Umar doubled the lead in the 24th minute and scored another goal in the 46th minute, completing his brace.

The tournament, sponsored by the Ayliu Bello Charity Foundation, features all 13 local government areas in the state and aims to unearth new talents. 

Governor Abdullahi Sule, represented by Hon. Kwanta Yakubu, Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, commended Dr. Ayliu Bello for sustaining the competition and discovering young talents, moreso for using the competition to celebrate the sixth anniversary of Gov. Abdullahi A. Sule.

Gov. Sule further charged the Nasarawa United Feeders team Management to spot talents on ground.

Toto LG Chairman, Pharmacy Ahmed Yahaya, praised the young players, calling them champions, and expressed gratitude to Governor Sule for the proposed mini stadium in Toto.

Organizing committee Chairman, Dan Musa Mohammed, described Dr. Ayliu Bello as a football enthusiast who has consistently supported the tournament. He also highlighted the foundation’s commitment to spreading the hosting of the competition to other zones in the state, noting that the last two editions took place in Lafia.

Friday’s Fixtures:

– 8:00 AM: Karu vs Awe at Mada Hills Secondary School, Akwanga

– 10:00 AM: Akwanga vs Nasarawa at Rishama College Football Field, Akwanga

– 10:00 AM: Doma vs Keffi at Mada Hills Secondary School, Akwanga

Notable dignitaries at the kickoff included Hon. Larry Ven-Bawa Chief Whip NSHA, Nasarawa FA Chairman Salisu Galadima, Chun Nku HRH Amb. Habila Aboki and provost CEO Akwanga.