GODWIN WAMBEBE
The Stage is now set for the Final of this year’s Edition of One of the Most Prestigious Football Tournament in North Central Nigeria, the Igala Nations Cup after Golden Boys Fc of Igalamela and Idah Fc Subdued their opponents Super Stars Fc and Adale Fc of Dekina LGA respectively to set the stage for a memorable Final Showdown.
Golden Boys Fc of Igalamela who were the first finalist to emerge narrowly beat Super Stars Fc to achieve that feat on Saturday 15th July 2023 at the Buffalo Pitch of Federal Polytechnic Idah didn’t got to the last two on a platter of Gold as Super Stars gave them a very tough run in the 90 minutes duration of the encounter. The boys from Igalamela against all odds were able to ran away with a deserved 3-1 win becoming the first team to qualify for the final of the 7th Edition, thanks to goals, from youthful prodigy Abubakar Faruk, Mudi Mikailu and Victor Ademu who all performed creditably on a day it mattered most.
Super Stars Fc also pulled a consolation through Lawal Attai but it wasn’t enough to see them through to the final.
In the second Semi-final clash between Adale Fc of Egume and Idah Fc, the Dekina boys disappointed the high expectations and Confidence that an appreciable percentage of soccer lovers and their teeming fans and Supporters had reposed in them prior to the game by conceding a whooping Four (4) goals only managing to pull a consolation through Muntari Momoh in the second half.
The Dekina boys who were absolutely Superb in their group games failed to live up to Expectations when it mattered most against a rampaging Idah Fc who dominated proceedings throughout the game.
Golden Boys Fc who have been Consistent since the Competition berthed Seven (7) years ago will have an uphill task and a lot on their hands to deal with when they lock horns with Idah Fc who have been quite impressive since the 7th Edition started.
Speaking to Sport Writers immediately after the second Semi-final game, Director Technical Of the Competition Coach Abubakar Kamar Olachene hinted that this year’s Edition of the Competition is witnessing a favourable improvement in all areas most especially the Cash Prizes for the eventual winners and runners up.
” Our partnership with the Muri Foundation and a host of other Sponsors has ensured a massive improvement in the activities of the competition. This year’s Winner will go home with a whooping Five hundred thousand naira (#500,000) while the first runners up will also smile home with the sum of Three hundred thousand naira (#300,000), the 3rd placed team is not left out as they will also go home with Two hundred thousand naira (#200,000) Courtesy of the Muri Foundation”
” As usual, there will also be awards and prizes for individual players who have distinguish themselves during the Competition like the Most Valuable Player of the entire Competition, Best Goalkeeper, Highest goal Scorer, Best Coach etc. “
” Like I use to say since we started this journey, the idea behind this lofty Concept is to give the teeming hidden talents in the Land a platform to show the world what God Almighty has deposited in them. Even though we are not where we desired, I can beat my chest and say with all sense of humility that the Igala Nations Cup platform has provided that stage for them “
” As a result of our Consistency with this Competition and our Academy, the Kamar Football Academy, we have been able to bring to limelight some players who have gone to the big stage to register their presence. Benjamin Mustapha who played for the Nations cadet team, the U-17 team known as the Golden Eaglets was discovered here and is Currently doing well where he is. This is what we advocated for that lead to the birth of this Competition which has remain steady since the last Seven (7) year’s “
Coach Abubakar Kamar Olachene however thanked the Competition’s Sponsors and Partners for their involvement and generosity in what he described as one of the best form of empowerment and extension of hands of fellowship to their immediate society. The date for the final will be announced as soon as all necessary arrangements and Logistics has been appropriately put in place
