The 2019 edition of Niger state Governor’s Cup tagged ‘Kontagora 2019’ is to kick-off on December 20, 2019 at the ancient city of Kontagora, in Kontagora Local Government Area of the state.
The 1st Vice Chairman of Niger State Football Association (NSFA) who is also the Chairman of Organising and Disciplinary Committee of the state FA, Alhaji Yabagi Baba, made this disclosure during a stakeholders’ meeting, held on Friday at the state Ministry of Sports Development Conference Hall, in preparation to the soccer event.
Baba said the 2018 edition failed to happen after expected sponsorship didn’t pull through.
He then informed that the state FA agreed to use the draws conducted for 2018 edition which could not hold.
The FA 1st Vice Chairman said the championship had received the blessing of the state Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, and that of the ministry of local government, community development and chieftaincy affairs with a promise to support the FA for a successful tournament.
He also disclosed that the state Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Emmanuel Umar, had assured that the state governor would grace the final of the championship.
On players eligibility, Baba said any player who participated in Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), Nigeria National League (NNL) and Nationwide League One (NLO) in the last two seasons were not eligible to participate in the championship.
A board member of the state FA, Comrade Barau Awaisu Kuta, said any team submitting a protest should back it up with proof.
The 25 local government areas that would participate in the championship were segmented into eight groups with only a team to qualify from each group for the quarter-final.
The 2017 edition took place in Mokwa town, the headquarter of Mokwa local government area of the state, and Bida local government emerged the Champions after defeating the host, Mokwa local government team by 2-1.
