The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has pledged to build a mini Stadium in Akwanga Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
Ibrahim Gusau, President of NFF made the pledge at the final of the maiden edition of the Wamba, Akwanga Nasarawa-Eggon ( WAN) Agara Football competition held at the Central Primary School, Akwanga on Monday.
He said that the competition is aimed at encouraging the growth of grassroots football, and boost sporting activities in the area.
The occasion also witnessed the unveiling of the logo of WAN Agara Football Club.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the final match was between Future International Football Club, Wamba and Akwanga Selected Football Clubs.
The match ended goalless after extra time.
Future International FC won 5-4 on penalties to emerged champions of the competition.
According to Gusau, the construction and commissioning of a mini-stadium in Akwanga would be a turning point in the area’s sports infrastructure development.
“We have received unwavering support from the governor of Nasarawa State in our football development endeavours.
“As a testament to this, we are pleased to announce the impending commissioning of a mini-stadium in Akwanga,”he said.
Gusau said that it was part of his mandate to encourage grassroots football across the country.
He commended the organiser of the competition for the initiative for engaging youths in sporting activities, especially football.
He called on well meaning Nigerians and corporate organisations to invest more in sports development for youths to exhibit their potential.
Gusau who unveiled the logo of WAN Agara FC, said that club is qualified to play in the Nigeria Nationwide League (NNL) One for the 2023/2024 season.
Also speaking, Ja’afaru Ango, Nasarawa State Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, said that the state government commenced work on the mini-stadium over the past three months.
He, however, said that the approval for the land the stadium will be built will was pending.
The commissioner said the state government in partnership with NFF was committed to completing the project.
In a remark, Silas Agara, organiser of the competition, and former Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State said that the new club will help revive football in the area.
Agara who promised to make the competition an annual event, said it marked a significant stride in the promotion of football and sports development in the state.
NAN reports that the champions, Future International FC received N680,000 in prize money, while the runners-up, Akwanga Selected pocketed N420,000.
The bronze-winning team, Leopard Academy, also from Akwanga, got N250,000 prize money.
