Nasarawa United Win Ahlan Preseason Cup Tournament

NASARAWA UNITED WIN AHLAN PRESEASON CUP TOURNAMENT

By Eche Amos

Nasarawa United have emerged the 2019 Champions of the Ahlan Preseason Cup Tournament, sponsored by Kano State Football Association Chairman and Executive Committee member of Nigerian Football Federation(NFF), Alhaji Sharif Rabiu Inuwa.

Nasarawa United pipped El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri 1-0 courtesy of an Abubakar Lawal's 20th minute spot kick after Lucky Erimuya handled Victor Okoro's low shot with his hand in the box.

Abubakar Lawal stepped up and took the resultant kick, placing the ball beyond the reach of goalkeeper, Yusuf Mohammed.

Despite relentless efforts by El-Kanemi Warriors, coached by former Technical Adviser of Nasarawa United, Baba Ganaru Mohammed, the Lafia-based team held unto that scoreline till the end of regulation time before a large crowd and dignitaries at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano, this evening.

Nasarawa United's Technical Adviser, Bala Nikyu, emerged as the Best Coach of the tournament after leading the team to five wins out of six games, while the club's duo of goalkeeper, Danlami Umar, and striker, Abubakar Lawal, emerged as Most Valuable Player and Highest Goalscorer (four goals) of the tournament respectively.

This is the first ever preseason tournament trophy Nasarawa United have won since its sixteen years of establishment.

Among the dignitaries in attendance were NFF 2nd Vice President and LMC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, FA Chairman of Chairmen, Alh. Ibrahim Musa Gusau, Alh. Yusuf Fresh Ahmed, Alh. Mohammed Alkali, Sir Chidi Ofo Okenwa, General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, NRA Chairman, Otunba Tade Azeez, Chairman, Ahlan Preseason Cup Organizing Committee, Barr. Isaac Danladi, Kano State Sports Commission's Chairman, Alh. Ibrahim Galadimma, Club Owners Association of Nigeria Secretary, Alloy Chukwuemeka, Congress Members and other football stakeholders.

Sixteen teams participated at the 3rd edition of the Ahlan Preseason Cup Tournament, including Kano Pillars, Rivers United, Lobi Stars, Katsina United, Plateau United, Abia Warriors, Wikki Tourists, Kwara United, Jigawa Golden Stars, Sokoto United, among others.