Kaduna wins Northwest Veterans All Stars qualifier tournament
By Ado Salisu
Kaduna All Stars football team have emerged winners of this year’s Northwest Veterans All Stars qualifier tournament after beating it Kano counterpart 3-1 in a penalty shoot out.
The energy sapping encounters which was played at Sani Abacha Stadium Kofar Mata attracted large turn out of spectators include the ministry for state Housing and Urban development, Alhaji Abdullahi Ata in attendance.
Both sides who paraded skillful and talented players displayed a purposeful football but their attackers failed to utilize several chances that came their way.
After mandatory regulation time, Kaduna scored three goals while Kano manage one goal in the penalty shoot out.
The Minister for state and Urban development, Alhaji Abdullahi Ata commended the players and coaches for their commitment and dedication as well as utilizing competition to cement and foster unity among ex players in the zone.
Alhaji Abdullahi Ata who was former captain of Zumunta football club of Fagge charged the leadership of veterans to continue to do their best towards the development the game in the state and the country in general.
He assured that his door will remain open for the veterans officials in order to discuss ways forward whenever the need arise.
Commenting, the Zonal Coordinator of the zone, Alhaji Danburan Abubakar Nuhu expressed satisfaction with the turn out of participant teams, urging them to sustain the tempo.
Danburan Abubakar Nuhu who captained Kano All Stars FC against Kebbi thanked Kano state government for providing facilities at stadium. Pledged to continue to partner with the relevant stakeholders aimed at promoting and development of the game in the state and the country at large.
While expressing gratitude to the players and officials for their maximum support and cooperation, he assured that the local organizing committee will do everything possible to ensure the success of the championship.
Danburan Abubakar Nuhu said that personalities expected in the final include the chairman of the National Sports Commission NSC, Malam Shehu Dikko, the president of the Nigerian Football Federation NFF, Malam Ibrahim Musa Gusau and his Secretary General, Dr Muhammad Sunusi, former Super Eagles sensational, Garba Lawal, football stakeholders from within and outside zone.
Commenting also, the President of Kano All Stars football team, Alhaji Muhammad Abba Galadima welcomed all the participant teams and urged them to avoid anything capable of denting the image of the championship.
Alhaji Muhammad Abba Galadima thanked the state government for providing facilities at the stadium towards the smooth and success of the competition.
Highlights of the event include presentation of prizes, gift and trophy to the deserving individuals and teams at the occasion.
