By: Gracious Akujobi
The Nigeria Football Federation has expressed appreciation to the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Raji Fashola on the successful hosting of this year’s Federation Cup competition.
In a letter of appreciation signed by NFF President, Aminu Maigari, the football-governing body heaped plaudits on Lagos State’s number one citizen for his sheer commitment and dedication to enabling
the Federation Cup reclaim its old glory.
“The NFF feels obliged to continue to praise Your Excellency’s keen interest and support for the Federation Cup, which has, as a result, reclaimed much of its glamour and glory. Your Excellency remains
firmly and surely in the leading category of few State Chief Executives in our country who continue to show genuine and abiding interest in the development of Nigerian football.
“We commend Your Excellency for dignifying the occasion with your presence, coupled with the showcasing of Legends of the Cup and naming of the Media Tribune after departed legendary broadcasters Ishola Folorunsho and Ernest Okonkwo. Surely, the Nigeria Football Federation
is joyous at the long-time agreement with Lagos State on the Federation Cup, and will work with your administration to make the 2014 event even more grand.”
Last Sunday’s grand finale at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere took in, for the first time ever, the Women’s Final as well, with Rivers Angels hammering Nasarawa Amazons 3-0 to lift the trophy.
Enyimba FC of Aba won the men’s title for the third time, edging Warri Wolves 5-4 in a pulsating penalty shoot-out that followed a 2-2 draw in regulation time.
Governor Fashola was personally present at the occasion, alongside Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State, Dr. Bolaji Ojo-Oba (Director of Federations and Elite Athletes Department who represented the Minister of Sports, Adamu Gumba (chairman of Senate Sports Committee), Godfrey Gaiya (chairman of House Sports Committee), Hon. Wahid Enitan Oshodi (Lagos State Commissioner for Sports), Mike Umeh (Vice President, NFF), members of the Lagos State cabinet, members of the NFF Executive Committee and management and chairmen and secretaries of State Football Associations.
Meanwhile, Bauchi state government has bestowed honour on its own son and President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Aminu Maigari.
This recognition has come as a result of the giant strides that Nigeria is taking in international football as well as new grounds being broken by the National Teams.
In a letter addressed to the NFF President and signed on behalf of the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Bauchi State, the Bauchi State government conveyed approval for the renaming of a major street in the capital city after Aminu Maigari.
“This is to inform you that approval has been granted by His Excellency, the Governor to name the Federal Low-Cost Junction-Zango Market Road after your good self. The road will now be called Alhaji Aminu Maigari Road,” the letter read.
In his response, Maigari, during whose tenure Nigeria’s National Teams have won six different trophies at competitive tournaments and friendly games over the past three years, said: “Indeed, Honourable Commissioner, words are inadequate to express my utmost delight and
joy at this honour, which is all the more sweeter because it is coming from my home State. I am truly excited.”
