Bida and Munya Local Government football teams have emerged as the finalists of the 2023 edition of the Niger State Governor's Cup football competition, tagged "Bida 2023".
Bida local government defeated Kontagora local government by a lone goal in the first semi-final match decided at the Lapai Football Academy Mini Stadium, Kobo campus of IBB University, Lapai.
On the other hand, the resilient Munya local government team edged out the Mokwa local government team by 9-8 via penalty shootouts, as both teams tied one all at regulation time in the second semi-final match decided at the same venue on Sunday.
In a post-match reaction shortly after his team's victory, the council chairman of Bida Local Government, Hon. Bala Shaba, said he was optimistic that his team was going to carry the day even before the start of the game and appreciated God for granting them the victory.
He disclosed that the harmonious unity among the players who played for a collective goal led them to the victory, urging them not to lose focus on their main target, which is to come first in the championship.
"I want them to put more effort into the finals, particularly as the final is going to take place at our home ground," he added.
The council chairman of Munya Local Government, Hon. Aminu Najume, also said in his reaction that it was a joyful moment for the entire soccer-loving people of Munya to have come from behind to win the match through penalties.
He said he was calm because he knows his team will carry the day when it comes to penalty shootouts because he has confidence in his players.
He charged the boys to be calm, resolute, play safe, and go for the gold during the final match, saying the 2023 Governor's Cup is going to Munya and promising that he has a special gift for them.
On his part, the Chairman of the Niger State Football Association (NSFA), Comrade Ahmed Yusuf Fresh, said the two semi-final matches had lived up to expectations with the beautiful football artistry displayed by both teams.
He commended the players and officials of all the semifinalists for the sportsmanship spirit they have exhibited during the matches, which he said were keenly contested.
Comrade Yusuf Fresh also appreciated the presence of all the local government council chairmen whose teams played in the semi-final and specifically commended the council chairman of Lapai, Hon. Mohammed Kirikpo, for accepting to host the semi-final matches and for his presence, as well as his warm reception and the hospitality accorded to the state FA officials.