The Director General of the Federation of Youth Soccer Clubs (FEYSOC), Niger state chapter, Umar Batako Lapai, has commended the state government, as well as the state football association over the sponsorship and organization of the 2024 edition of the Governor’s Cup Football Competition.
The FEYSOC Director General gave the commendation on Sunday, during an interview with sports journalists covering the competition.
He said the commitment of the present administration under Governor Mohammed Umar Bago towards youths development through sports and football in particular is unpresidented and worthy of commendation.
Umar Batako observed that the sponsorship of the Governor’s Cup for the second time by the present administration is a testament that the present government in the state is youths friendly and deserve the support of all youths in the state.
He also commended the Niger State Football Association (NSFA) under the leadership of Comrade Ahmed Yusuf Fresh for the quality organization and adjudged it as best in the history of the competition.
“I can beat my chest and tell you that Lapai 2024 is the best Governor’s Cup so far organized in the state. I am not saying this because we are hosting it, but you can agree with me that from the participation by all the 25 local government in the state and the support of the state government, as well as the attendance of stakeholders of each local government, like the council chairmen, members of the state assembly and Commissioners are all evident to what I am saying,” he explained.
Umar Batako who is the founder of Lapai Football Academy and the Secretary of the local organizing committee of the tournament, disclosed that a lot of hidden talents have been discovered in the ongoing competition and it is a plus to football development in the state.
He added that it is one of the aims of organizing the tournament aside fostering unity amongst youths in the state.
He further observed that the glamour for the annual football fiesta is gradually returning and expressed happiness over the development.
Meanwhile, the Governor’s cup has reached the quarter final stage with eight teams already booking a place in the quarter final.
All the quarter final matches have been scheduled to take place tomorrow, Tuesday.
Lavun LG will meet Mariga LG in the first quarter final match, Kontagora and Rijau LGs will follow, while Gbako and the host, Lapai LG will feature in the third match. Katcha and Suleja local governments will rap up the quarter final matches.
