As momentum continues to gather ahead of the final of the 2021 Aiteo Federation Cup, Nasarawa State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Othman Bala Adam, has tipped the Solid Miners to emerge victorious at the end of hostilities against Bayelsa United on Sunday evening.
In an exclusive chat with Nasarawa United Media, the Commissioner said the Government and people of Nasarawa State are excited about the team’s journey to the final of this year’s Aiteo Cup, especially taking into cognizance the huge investment by the State Government on the Club.
“The Executive Governor of our dear State, His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, has done pretty well to add value to the youth and sports in the State through the Ministry where I now superintend, particularly this wonderful feat of playing at the just ended elite division of the Nigeria inter-club competition and now the FA Cup final in Benin City.”
The Commissioner explained that for Bayelsa United to come thus far, there was the need to be careful with them, even though not insurmountable.
Othman Bala showered encomiums on the Management, Players, Technical Officials, Backroom Staff, Supporters and other critical stakeholders for the success achieved so far, disclosing that the State was preparing for the Aiteo Cup final and the determination to take the trophy home.
“Without sounding immodest, I must commend the management, players, coaching staff, as well as vital stakeholders for taking us this far.
“It’s a wonderful thing for us to be in the final of the oldest knockout football competition in Nigeria.
“Some of us played in this type of competition in our heydays and it really has not changed in springing up surprises today.
“However, we want to make history as we go into the final of this year’s edition.
“Our expectations have reached a crescendo, and there is no better way to reward the passion, enthusiasm and unwavering support of our Governor and wonderful people than to win the trophy and present it to them at home.
“In the light of the above, the Governor has mobilized a large delegation from the State headed by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, to lend our voice and solidarity, with that of the ever- gallant Supporters’ Club, to our darling team and cheer them to victory.
“This is not about playing in the continent alone. It’s much more than that – We need to compliment the enormous contributions of the number one financier of the club, the Executive Governor, and the numerous sacrifices of our teaming supporters to the Club.”
Among those in the large entourage of the Deputy Governor to Benin City include former Deputy Governor, Hon. Silas Agara(now Federal Commissioner, National Population Commission); APC State Secretary, Hon. Aliyu Bello; Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Kwanta Yakubu; Special Adviser to the Governor on Gender, Hajiya Hajara Danyaro; House Committee Chairman on Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Musa Salihu Iyimoga; Prof. Othman(UniJos), and others.
Victory for the Solid Miners on Sunday will see them picking the last continental ticket(Confederation Cup slot) available to Nigeria.
The Nasarawa United versus Bayelsa United match comes up in the evening by six o’clock and will be televised live on satellite television, DSTV SuperSport channel.
