Nasarawa State Football Association Chairman, Salisu Usman Galadima has affirmed that the rapid growth witnessed in football in the state is due to the unwavering support of the State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi A Sule.
Nasarawa United are close to a return to the Nigeria Premier Football League after just a season in the lower league while FC Basira have now qualified for the Nigeria National League after over five seasons in the Nigeria Nationwide League cadre.
Alhaji Galadima in a chat with sports journalists in Enugu at the ongoing NNL Super 8 said the giant strides being witnessed in football in Nasarawa State can only be credited to the sports loving Governor Sule who has provided the enabling environment for sports especially football to thrive in the state.
The Nasarawa FA Chair said he was glad that Basira FC got the NNL ticket while Nasarawa United used their win over Sokoto United to welcome him to the Coal City.
“All thanks to the almighty Allah for giving me the opportunity on Sunday to be in Plateau State for the NLO playoff between FC Basira of Lafia and FWC Champions of Abuja. As God will have it, Basira FC won on Penalties 4-3,” Alhaji Galadima said.
“Yesterday, the entire people of Nasarawa State were happy to see an NLO team from the state pick a NNL ticket. And today (Monday), I arrived in Enugu to come and support our darling state team and we thank God that as I came, the team played very well and they beat Sokoto United 2-1. I congratulate them for the wonderful performance so far.”
Alhaji Galadima is predicting a good performance for Basira FC in the NNL next season while assuring that with the continued support of Governor Sule the team would be among the eight competing teams for the next season’s NNL Super Eight.
“My expectations are very high. Because my coming here gave me a lot of confidence. I was telling my colleague from Gombe FA, Alhaji Yakubu Sarma that by the special grace of God, come next year Basira FC will be among the eight teams that NNL would host at the Super 8. I can assure you, the entire people of Nasarawa State and Nigeria at large that Basira FC would be among the 8 teams that would compete for the Super 8 tourney next year,” Alhaji Galadima assures.
The grassroots rooted Administrator also gave an excellent account of what the Nasarawa FA is doing to help tap talents at the grassroots with the recently completion of the Nasarawa State Under 13 Competition while adding that plans are underway to host the Under 15s and 17s competitions as well.
“A few weeks ago, you would remember we hosted a State Under 13 competition and the competition ended on a successful note and we are preparing to host the Under 15 & Under 17 categories as well. We have been moving from one local government to witness either the Kickoffs of the local competition or the finals and I thank God so far so good since we came on board, football in Nasarawa State has changed.
“As you can see, when I came Basira FC spent close to 7 seasons playing the NLO but now, thanks to the immense support from the government, the team has climbed the ladder into the NNL
“The reason why you are seeing our amiable darling team performing is because everywhere they go to play, we are always there to give them the support the richly deserve and boost their confidence to ensure their maximum performance which exceeds our expectations. Our Governor is a sports loving Governor that is why people call Nasarawa State as a home of Football and by God’s grace between now and a few years, we’ll perfect all our efforts.”
