From Abel Leonard, Lafia
Obi United, a football club in Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State have been crowned champions of 6th edition of the Yakubu Mailafia Peace & Unity Football Competition against all odds.
Recall that Obi United FC, whose best finish last year was a quarter final finish, proved bookmakers wrong as they won the “Mailafia Dynasty/Daddare Community World Cup designed trophy”, beating highly favored, Thunder FC, who ousted the erstwhile defending champions, Greater Tomorrow FC at the semi final.
Sun Reports that Obi United FC won the trophy on Monday, boxing day with the sum of #600,000 after beating Thunder FC, 4-3 on penalties after Sharing the spoil during regulation time score.0:0
Runners’up, Thunder FC smiled home with #400,000, while the winner of the third place match, Giant Killers fc, beat the erstwhile giants and defending champions of this year’s edition, Greater Tomorrow FC, to pocket the #300,000 and the fourth Greater Tomorrow FC was awarded a #100, 000 cash.
In an interview with the founder of the tournament shortly after the presentation of the cup to the winners, CSP Yakubu Mailafia who stressed that the aim of the competition is to promote peace and unity in the state adding that plans are ongoing to improve the tournament and get better sponsors.
“I can assure you, it is just getting better, this is the 6th edition with an improved number of teams, 32 cut across Nasarawa south constituency. the aime is becoming a reality as one of our player as a result of this competition was called up for the under 20 team and two are already on their way abroad courtesy of the foundation.”
Responding to investment and partnership, he said the foundation is looking forward to having sponsors but the right one as the first thing he wanted was to have an image which have been gotten now is to get proper sponsors that would fit in the plan. he added.
‘ we don’t want to partner for partnering sake we need people that would work with the idea of achieving peace in the state, we want a situation where people would come and watch matches without security personnels around, a mindset of self security, better character amongst supporters.”
Sun also reports that Anas Yusuf Okpadibu of Obi United FC with 6 goals won the highest goalscorers award while Victor Elias of Thunder FC won the best goalkeeper award.
