March 17, (THEWILL) – Lobi Stars football club of Makurdi have emerged the winner of the 2023 edition of the Benue State Federation Cup competition, having beaten their Red and Black counterparts, Flames FC club of Oturkpo 3-1 at the MC-carthy stadium, Makurdi.
The Iorfa boys overran the highly talented opponents, scoring two goals in the first half and increased the tally in the dying minutes in the second half, just as the Red and Black Flames blocked the Stars’ scoring chances.
Speaking during the presentation of the trophy to Lobi Stars, the chairman of Benue State Football Association, Chief Mrs Margaret Icheen, acknowledged the high level of skills exhibited by the two team during the competition.
While noting that there is always a winner and loser in any sports contest, but allow the spirit of sportsmanship to prevail without acrimony, congratulated Lobi Stars FC for qualifying to represent Benue State at the national level of the competition and charged Lobi Stars to be good ambassador and make the state proud.
Represented at the ceremony by Barr Moses Ukpo, the BAFA chairman noted that sports sponsorship cannot be left in the hands of the government alone and call on well meaning spirited individuals, philanthropists, corporate organizations to come to the aid by supporting the development of football in the state.
According to Mrs Margaret Icheen, such a support will be a deliberate effort for youth empowerment, talent detection, employment generation, health and social mobilisation in the state.
She appreciated governor Samuel Ortom for creating enabling environment for football development in the state, pointing out that the massive investment in Lobi Stars football club and award of contract for the renovation and laying of astro turf at the main bowl of the Aper Aku stadium complex was highly appreciated.
“This is an indication that the government has kept pace with national and international trends in global sports”.
She, therefore, appreciated the efforts of the Vice Chairman/CEO of Lobi Stars, Mr Dominic Iorfa, in lifting the team to greater heights and urged him to keep it up as people are in support of the club.
Chief Mrs Icheen acknowledged the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Barr Teryima Nguher; State Director of Sports, Philip Nongu and the management staff of the council, the referee council and the media for their unflinching support by giving sports adequate publicity in the state and beyond.
Presenting the trophy, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Barr Teryima Nguher commended BAFA for putting the event together, saying Benue have talents in football as exhibited during the contest.
Represented by Mr Terzungwe Ichuul, the Commissioner congratulated the winner and loser for being gallant and assured that the state government will continue to sponsor sports within the available resources.
The Captain of Lobi Stars football club, Daniel Atsaka, who received the trophy, promised to ensure that the national trophy is won for the state in the course of time.
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