By Ogalla Daniel
Girinya United has emerged as the winner of the inaugural Opanda football tournament held in Kogi Local Government, Kogi State.
They secured a thrilling 5-4 victory over Roki Academy via a penalty shootout.
The tournament was organized by Hon. Idrees Aliyu Maikudi, the member representing Kogi-Konton Karfe State Constituency in the Kogi State House of Assembly.
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The match saw Girinya United dominate the first half with a 2-0 lead, but Roki Academy made a remarkable comeback in the second half to level the score and push the game to a penalty shootout.
Speaking at the end of the match, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, praised the tournament, highlighting sports as a unifying force in the country.
He encouraged the house committee on sports to scout for raw talents at the grassroots level, emphasising that the winning team demonstrated determination and unity throughout the game.
According to him “This game today shows the unity of purpose between this two communities. We should not allow anything to divide us but unite all of us because we are one Kogi State. Tournament like this should be encouraged by all and sundry for Kogi State to move forward”.
The Speaker, commended the Lawmaker representing Kogi Koton Karfe State Constituency for giving back to the grassroot, adding that, his wealth of experience has contributed immensely to the development of the State through law making and house resolutions.
The organiser of the event who doubles as the Chairman, House standing committee on education Hon. Idrees Aliyu Maikudi averred that he remain committed in bringing development to his constituents, adding that, the football tournament is one of his project in catching young talent.
Hon. Maikudi promised to continue to deliver on his campaign promises to his people. Saying that, he remained focused in the developmental agenda of his Constituency.
“I am highly elated to be part of history in my constituency. I believe in the philosophy of catching them fresh at the grassroot. During my campaign, I promise to ensure that my People are well represented. It is my determination to attract all the needed development through motions and bills to my constituency,”he added.
While Yakubu Alhassan, won the best player of the tournament, Magaji from Giriya United won the best defender and Catilla from Girinya United won best goal keeper.
Two players were however, picked from the teams in the final to represent the state own football team, Kogi United.
The final of the Opanda football tournament had in attendance members representing Lokoja I, Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon. Shehu Bin Ebaiya, Hon. Sheyi Bello, (Kabba Bunu), Hon. Sunday Daku, (Bassa), Hon. Bode Ogunmola, (Ogori-Magongo), Rt Hon. Comfort Ojoma Nwuchiola Egwaba, (Ibaji) Hon. Umar Yahaya, (Omala), Major Enefola, (Igalamela Odolu), Hon. Jacob Sam Olawunmi, (Mopa-Muro) Hon. Abu Onoru-Oiza Jibrin and Ujah Alewo Anthony, (Olamaboro).
