The Katcha Local Football Council in Niger State has conducted the draws for the inaugural edition of the Wakilin Kwadagon Nupe Football Competition in honour of the State NULGE President and NLC Chairman, Comrade Idrees Abdulkareem Lafene.
A total of 24 teams from Katcha Local Government registered for the tournament, organised by the Katcha Local Football Council, an affiliate of the Niger State Football Association (NSFA).
The First Vice Chairman of NSFA and native son, Alhaji Yabagi Baba, officiated the draw processes held at the Badeggi Township Hall. He announced that three centres will be used for the competition.
He explained that teams from Katcha town will compete at the Katcha centre, those from the Badeggi axis will play at the Badeggi centre, and teams from the Kataeregi axis will battle for supremacy at the Kataeregi centre.
The state FA Chairman, who is also the Chairman of Chairmen in the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Comrade Ahmed Yusuf Fresh, was the special guest at the draw event. He urged the participating teams to uphold discipline and exhibit the spirit of sportsmanship during the championship.
He also appreciated the State NLC Chairman, who is the sponsor of the tournament, stating that the state FA is proud of his contribution to grassroots football development across the state, which is the foundation of football development worldwide.
Comrade Yusuf Fresh emphasised that the state FA will continue to identify and recognise individuals who support the growth and development of football in the state.
Twelve teams grouped into four groups of three teams each will battle for quarter-finals slots from the Katcha centre, while in the Badeggi and Kataeregi centres, six teams from each centre were grouped into two groups of three teams to compete for the quarter-finals slots.
In the Katcha centre, Sky Power FC, Young Adamu FC, and Ndalada FC will play in Group A. Group B includes Amor Stars, Audu United, and Young Ndaduma FC. In Group C, Giwa Stars, Unbreakable Lions, and Power Rangers will compete, while Young Shall Grow FC, M. Kashe United, and Kala United will vie for a spot in the quarter-finals.
At the Badeggi centre, Egbati III FC, Junior Habiba FC, and Egbati I FC will compete for a slot in Group A, while Group B includes Habiba Babes, Magi Stars FC, and Grassroot FC.
At the Kataeregi centre, Egbanasara FC, Zuzungi FC, and Damau FC will compete in Group A, while Group B includes Ikon Allah FC, Isyaku FC, and Ranchers FC.
One team is expected to qualify for the quarter-finals stage from each group across the three centres.