By Ojotule Romanus
It was a glamorous moment when friends and well-wishers trooped out in large numbers in a novelty football match organised in honour of the Director General of Administration, Dr. Umar Shuaibu Oricha.
The significant event held at the Government House Sports Complex, saw members of Kogi State Government House community, lock horns in a friendly battle to celebrate the seasoned administrator as he turned 66 recently.
When the dust eventually settled, it was the Auxiliary Staff of Government House Lokoja, that were crowned champions of the Novelty Match.
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The Auxiliary Staff football team defeated it’s opponent, Full Staff of the Government House football team 7-6 via penalty shootout to clinch the trophy.
The kinly contested match had ended 3-3 at full time , just as it had attracted a crowd of spectators from amongst Government House staff and others outside the seat of power.
The atmosphere on the field, was charged with excitement and camaraderie as spectators had trooped out to be part of the ceremony.
From the opening whistle, the auxiliary staff displayed remarkable synergy and tactical awareness, surprising many with their fluid passing and defensive resilience. While the management team showed flashes of experience and strategic play. They struggled to penetrate the well-organized lines maintained by the auxiliary squad.
As the match progressed, the spirit of sportsmanship prevailed over the intensity of the competition. The players demonstrated that beyond their official duties, they share a vibrant camaraderie that transcends rank and title. By the time the final whistle blew, the auxiliary staff had successfully clinched a hard-fought victory,
The trophy was presented to winners by the General Manager, Kogi state Community and Social Development, Alhaji Dauda Momoh, who represented the DG Government House Administrator at the event.
Speaking with newsmen shortly after the game, the brain behind the novelty match and the team manager Government House Sport team, Mr. Adams Ogbabo, thank Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, for creating an enabling environment for recreational activities to thrive in the office.
He explained that the goal was to further unite staff of Government House while promoting the spirit of sportsmanship.
Ogbabo further added that the competition was put in place to mark the 66th birthday of the DG Government House Administration, Alhaji Umar Oricha, while promising to ensure it is sustained.
