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Lapai and Lavun local governments have emerged as the finalists of this year’s Niger State Governor’s Cup Football Competition, tagged “Lapai 2024.”
In the first semi-final match held at Mohammadu Kobo Secondary School Field 1 in Lapai, the Lapai local government team triumphed over Suleja LG with a 2-1 victory. Meanwhile, Lavun LG secured their spot in the finals by defeating Kontagora LG 4-3 in a penalty shootout, following a goalless draw in regulation time at Field 2 of the same venue.
This year’s final will be an all Zone A affair, as both finalists hail from the Niger South senatorial district, known as Zone A. The match will also feature two local governments represented by prominent political figures: Hon. Hamidu Mu’azu Jantabo, the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, from Lapai LG, and Hon. Abdullahi Usman Gbatamangi, the Chief of Staff, from Lavun LG.
Mallam Yabagi A. Baba, Chairman of the Organizing and Disciplinary Committee of the Niger State Football Association (NSFA), praised the sportsmanship displayed by all participants throughout the tournament. He encouraged the teams competing in the third-place match and the final to maintain their high standards of play.
Mallam Yabagi, who also serves as the first vice chairman of NSFA, noted that the Lapai 2024 Governor’s Cup has exceeded expectations, with all 25 local government teams delivering surprising performances. He mentioned that NSFA is awaiting approval from the Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago, for the final match date, which will be communicated to all stakeholders.
He also expressed gratitude to the Lapai Emirate, the local government council, and the local organizing committee, led by Alhaji Umar Makun Lapai, for their support and hospitality, which have contributed to the tournament’s success.
Four local governments have advanced to the semi-final stage of the 2024 Niger State Governor's Cup Football Competition, tagged "Lapai 2024," currently taking place in Lapai town.
The local governments that have qualified are Lavun, Kontagora, Suleja, and the host, Lapai.
Lavun Local Government, reaching the semi-final stage for the first time since the competition began in 1980, edged out Mariga Local Government 4-2 in a penalty shootout after a goalless draw in regulation time. Mariga received significant motivation from the Speaker of the State Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abdulmalik Sarkin Daji.
In a Zone C affair, Kontagora, who qualified as one of the best losers from the group stage, defeated Rijau Local Government 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, regaining their form just in time.
The host, Lapai Local Government, enjoying robust support both financially and morally from their home fans and leaders, narrowly defeated their Zone A counterparts, Gbako Local Government, by a lone goal to secure their place in the last four.
Suleja Local Government, considered one of the tournament favorites, eliminated another Zone A team, Katcha Local Government, 3-2 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw.
The semi-final matches are scheduled for today. Lavun will face Kontagora, while the host, Lapai, will clash with Suleja.
Meanwhile, the Council Chairman of Lavun Local Government Area, Hon. Mohammed Isah Kutigi, who is the chief supporter of the Lavun team, has promised a handsome reward for his players if they reach the finals. He made this promise while addressing the players and team officials shortly after their quarter-final match against Mariga. He also promised new football boots and a set of jerseys with each player's name emblazoned on it.
