Niger State Football Association (NSFA) has applauded the state Governor, Hon. Mohammed Umar Bago for his interest to partner with the FA to develope the game of football in the state.
The first Vice Chairman of the state FA, Alhaji Yabagi A Baba, gave the applause during the 2023 Governor's cup draws, held at Matag Luxury Hotel, Minna.
He disclosed that the governor had before and after his election, informed the state FA board members that he will partner with them to develope the round leather game in the state and had demonstrated that commitment by making funds available for the 2023 Governor's cup.
Yabagi Baba who is equally the Chairman of the organizing and disciplinary committee of the state FA added that the approval for the renovation of the Bako Kontagora stadium is another commitment to football development by the Governor.
He said this year's Governor's will be a unique one as for the first time in about 31 edition of the inter local government football competition, there will be a round of 16 stage.
He also disclosed that arrangements have been made to ensure that all the 25 local governments in the state participate in the tournament, adding that all the participating teams will be given financial support by the state FA as subsidy for the cost of participation.
Yabagi Baba also informed the local government sports secretaries present at the draws that the ancient city of the Nupe kingdom, Bida will host all the matches of the 2023 Governor's cup, with exception of semi-final matches that will be play in Lapai local government as the co-host of the tournament.
He also disclosed that the 2023 Governor's cup will kick-off on December 4, and four pitches have been identified to host the matches in Bida, including the Ndayako Memorial Stadium.
While appreciating the state Commissioner for local government, Hon. Hamidu Mu'azu Jantabo and his management team for ensuring and without delay, the smooth preparation for this year's competition, he assured that they will do their best to organize the best Governor's cup ever.
The 25 local government were grouped into six, with four teams in each group, except group F which has five teams.
Two teams were expected to qualify from each group for the round of 16 stage, while four best losers would be selected base on the points they acquired to join those that qualified to complete the round of 16 teams.