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2019/2020 Niger State Gov. Cup:Suleja FC crowns Champion, Kontagora FC Settles for Bronze medal

Published

6 years ago

February 25, 2020

Suleja local government have emerged champions of 2019/ 2020 Niger state governors’ cup, after edging Chanchaga local government 5-3 on penalty shoots out, as normal duration ended 0-0 at Sani Bello football complex- Kontagora Niger state.

The 39 edition of power state annual competition was historic in nature, as the finalists displayed good football artistry which rivets the attention of over 5,000 bystanders and other top dignitaries who thronged Sani Bello football field in their large numbers; Suleja FC and Chanchaga FC had to stretch out themselves to penalties after normal duration ended nil-all draw.

The highlights of this year’s final were centered around reigning champ (Suleja local government), as they continued to show brilliance in all their displays on that day. Although, the neatness of Sani Bello football complex, was advantageous to Chanchaga FC football fans seeing them everywhere at the stadium – cheering their team passionately the eventual winners were not technically and tactically pressured by the fans’ antics throughout the encounter.

Based on facts, match odds did not really favor Suleja as bookmakers and punters believed Chanchaga FC would coast home to victory hinging it on the motivation by its local government chairman who had promised to compensate them handsomely if they win this year’s Niger state governors cup final.

Meanwhile, the host city, Kontagora walked over Katcha local government in the third-place match -prior to the finals. The third-place match was scheduled for 8 am, however, Katcha FC came about 9 am, after giving grace of 20 minutes by the local organizing committee. The organizers felt Katcha were nonchalant to the rules of football thus, they activated the section of football statutes which frowns at such a scenario in a football competition.

En route the final match, Chanchaga local government and Kontagora played 3-2 on penalties whilst Suleja FC defeated Katcha local government 4-3 on penalties.

Historically, Suleja local government has now hoisted Niger state governors cup 11 times, trailing this year’s runners up -Chanchaga local government, who has won lifted the diadem 13 good times since the inception of the tournament in 1980.

This year’s outstanding performers :

Highest goals scorer; Emmanuel John, from Kontagora FC – cliched the golden ball award with 7 goals.

Most valuable player; Chanchaga FC midfielder -Mohammed Ajayi was adjudged as MVP.

Best goalkeeper;

Suleja FC’s Junior Kolo went home with the golden gloves.

Moreover, the 2019/2020 Niger state governors cup was kneeling contested between 24 teams from 25 local governments in the state, which obviously is one the memorable takeaways from this year’s 2 weeks marathon of – epic football showpiece in Niger state.

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Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support

Published

1 week ago

September 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria is poised to make history as it seeks to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, a monumental opportunity that promises to transform the nation’s economy, infrastructure, and global standing.

More than a sporting spectacle, the Games would serve as a catalyst for development across multiple sectors, leaving behind a legacy of national pride and sustainable growth.

The benefits of hosting the Games extend far beyond the sports arena. Nigeria stands to gain both empirical and non-empirical advantages, with direct, indirect, and induced impacts that will touch every corner of society. Infrastructural development will take center stage, with new facilities such as indoor sports halls, conference centers, and improved road networks reshaping urban landscapes while strengthening the nation’s capacity to host future international events.

Economic growth is another significant dividend. Over 10,000 jobs are expected to be created, spanning construction, facility management, event planning, and tourism services.

The hospitality industry will undergo major improvements as hotels and resorts are upgraded to meet international standards, while local restaurants, lounges, and tourist attractions will see a surge in patronage from international visitors. Small and medium enterprises, particularly in the transport, finance, and food service sectors, will become some of the greatest beneficiaries, as the Games generate new demand and expand opportunities for local businesses.
The Commonwealth Games will also accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s sports industry.

Investments in training facilities, coaching, and talent development will inspire a new generation of athletes, ensuring long-term benefits that extend beyond 2030, a major focus of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
At the same time, the process of preparing for the Games will create opportunities for Nigerians to learn new crafts, acquire technical skills, and engage in global-standard event management, thereby strengthening human capacity and innovation across industries.

Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission, and Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Director General, have been widely recognized for their tireless and visionary leadership in repositioning Nigeria’s sporting sector.

Their commitment to facilitating infrastructural development and strengthening grassroots sports development has laid the foundation for Nigeria’s bold bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Under their leadership, the NSC is fostering strategic partnerships and driving innovation in sports administration, they have demonstrated the nation’s readiness to stage an event of such global magnitude.

Beyond the tangible gains, the hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games carries profound symbolic value. It would be a moment of unity and pride, a chance for Nigeria to showcase its cultural richness, resilience, and excellence to the world.
As a centenary edition, the Games would stand as a historic milestone not just for the Commonwealth but for Nigeria itself, cementing its place on the global stage as a capable, ambitious, and forward-looking nation.

The gains from hosting the Commonwealth Games can never be undermined or overemphasized. This is Nigeria’s time to step forward and show the world our resilience, and excellence. We call on every Nigerian, across sectors and communities, to support this noble aspiration.

Nigeria’s pursuit of the 2030 Commonwealth Games is a vision for transformation, a blueprint for national development, and a legacy project that will inspire generations to come.

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