Chairman of Kwara State Football Association, Mallam Idris Abdullahi Musa has revealed that the FA has intentions of inviting the State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as well as other Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) bigwigs to grace the final of the Governors Cup and other finals.
According to Abdullahi, this explains why the finals of the 2023 U15 Governor’s Cup and that of two other competitions, namely the NLO and Usman Mustapha Cup, have been held off for some time now.
Abdullahi, otherwise known as Thuraya said holding the finale of a prestigious football tournament like the Governor’s Cup requires the presence of the man in whose honour the championship is being held.
“How do you hold the Governor’s Cup final without the presence of the Governor there,” he asked, rhetorically.
The FA boss further added that the association plans not only to have the Governor in place, but also the President of Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau, and 11 ex-Super Eagles players for a novelty match before the grand final.
“It is within the two day window we hope to conclude the Usman Mustapha Cup final, too,” he said.
The administrator further added that his pedigree in organising a tournament is further attestation that he is not a frivolous person.
“I have done the first one. That was the best competition ever done in this state.
“This is because we were able to bring 16 Local Government Areas to the capital city for the first time. We accommodated them, fed them and gave them transport subsidies.
“We were able to do that and it was a successful Governor’s Cup. The FA gave each and every Local Government Area jerseys. We gave every Local Government Football Council football, nets and corner flags.
“All these we did at that first edition. The second edition, like the first, is about sponsorship. You must get sponsors and partners.
“While looking for sponsors we were able to get Senator Sadiq Umar. He sponsored the competition,” he explained.
Like the first edition, 16 Local Government Areas converged in Ilorin, were accommodated, fed and given transport subsidies.
“This is Kwara, a state among other few where the Governor’s Cup is still very much a big tradition,” he added.
Championship of such status or any other organised by the FA, according to Thuraya, must be befitting both in quality and glamour as per recommendation of the sponsors of the championships.
“But the sponsor, the Senator, wants it to be an elaborate final, where the Governor will be seated, NFF, and ex-players of the Super Eagles will be represented.
“He wants it that way as the sponsor. He has personally invited the Governor. The Governor has given three different dates. He has not been able to meet them because of his tight schedule.
“Don’t forget, he is the Chairman, Governor’s Forum. I have gone ahead, also, to speak to the NFF on this matter.
“We have even bought tickets, I still have them, on the date the Governor gave. We still have the tickets unused. This is not deliberate; we had to bow to some exigencies.
“All the medals, trophies and laurels to be given out that day, including the prize money are available; the FA have paid the referees association ahead for that final,” Thuraya said
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Explaining further why they have gone to this length, the FA boss added: “We are celebrating the Governor. What is the use of having a Governor’s Cup when the Governor won’t be there at the final or be represented.
“This competition is about Gov. AbdulRahaman AbdulRazaq. And I think conceding to him when he wants the final is not too much.
“People should give credit to us for reaching this stage,” he said.
“So anytime the Governor gives us a date and we have the NFF and former players ready, we are good to go.,” he concluded.
