It was joy and celebration in the air at the Plateau State Football Association Secretariat as all the participating teams were assembled by the PFA, ably led by Hon Dr Suleiman Yahaya Kwande in readiness for the epic and historic kickoff of the maiden edition of the Dikko/Gusau Invitational Futsal Tournament.
The meeting, which had in attendance coaches, captains and the administrators of the participating teams, saw them receiving free sets of jerseys, bibs, hand gloves and some of them shinguards courtesy of the Plateau State Football Association Chairman, Hon. Dr. Suleiman Yahaya Kwande.
Speaking at the meeting with all the participants, Hon. Dr. Suleiman Yahaya Kwande said: “Plateau State is not only the mecca of football in Nigeria but Futsal as well. I need reiterate that mandate of my administration as the Head of football in the State to use this beautiful game not only to promote peace and unite the people of Plateau State, but to also let the lovers of this beautiful game enjoy all the goodies, fun and enjoyment that goes with it.”
“Puting up such Futsal Tournament is to show all and sundry that Plateau State is number one, especially with great talents scattered around. It’s also a testimony to the fact that all we did last year was no fluke as we still stand our ground to positively change football narrative completely on the Plateau.”
Also present at the memorable event to lecture all participants on the rules and regulations that govern the game is the only Nigerian FIFA Elite referee selected by CAF to officiate in the AFCON Futsal Morocco 2024 tournament, Musa Dung Davou. The Plateau State born referee, who was full of joy says: “I’m just so happy that Plateau State is blessed with a listening FA Chairmen, so humble and always throw his doors opened for anything progress and development. Hon. Kwande is just a Godsent to football in the Plateau. My desire is to see Nigeria among the top Futsal Nations of the world starting from Plateau State here.”
Twelve teams make up the first edition of this Futsal Tournament.
They include:
Plateau United U-19
Mighty Jets U-19
Elkanemi Juniors
Gee-Lec
Dilimi Young Boys
Mabo Young Stars
Dream Big
Corner Flag
Rayfield Athletic
Laka FC
Malcommines FC.
Here are the Day 1 fixtures:
Saturday:
Gee-Lec vs Dilimi Young Boys: 9am
Elkanemi Juniors vs Mabo Young Stars: 9:50am
Rock Hills vs Rayfield Athletic: 10:40am
Dream Big vs Corner Flag: 11:20am
Malcommines FC vs Mighty Jets U-19: 12pm
Laka FC vs Plateau United U-19: 12:50pm.
