Hosts Nasarawa clinch male, female football gold
NAN-S=2
Football
By Victor Okoye
Nasarawa (Nasarawa State), May 5, 2017 (NAN) Hosts Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa on Saturday emerged champions of both the male and female football events as the Nigeria Polytechnic Games (NIPOGA) came to a close on Saturday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that no fewer than 4,000 athletes from 41 Polytechnics took part in the 19th edition of the Games at the Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa.
The male football match played at the Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa Sports Stadium was a cagey affair as both sides played cautiously.
The home side created more chances but failed to convert as the first half ended 0-0.
The second half was, however, more open as both teams looked for the opener.
It was Kaduna who would have taken the lead through forward Abdulmajeed El-Mustapha but the striker fluffed his lines with only the goalkeeper to beat.
Also, the Kaduna goalkeeper, Jonathan Ayuba, who had conceded only one goal throughout the tournament, showed exactly why he was one of the best in the tournament.
He stood tall between the sticks and marshaled his defensive line, making crucial saves to keep the hosts at bay.
The match ended in a goalless draw and had to be decided through penalties whichas Nasarawa won 3-2 to emerge champions of the football event.
Nasarawa goalkeeper, Ifeanyi Nwanobi was the man-of-the-match as he made two vital saves during the shootout to give his side the victory.
Coach Hassan Mohammed of Nasarawa, after the match, expressed joy over his team’s victory, acknowledging that the game was worth the final as both sides put up a very good performance.
“It is a fantastic achievement for us, especially when you look at the fact that we have always come close on several occasions to win the football event, but have always finished as runners up”
“Not many people gave us a chance, but we are a real team. We are close knitted team in the dressing room and you could see this today.
“We needed a perfect performance and today was one of the best we have given in the tournament.
“I told my boys before the game that it would be a tough game and they were well prepared both physically and mentally for the final battle.
“Kudos to our opponents for giving us a good fight,” he said.
NAN also reports that Nasarawa beat Owo 2-0. to clinch the female football gold medal earlier in the day while Yaba College of Technology settled for bronze after defeating Ede 1-0.
Meanwhile, Laspotech also thrashed Sokoto 3-0 earlier on Saturday to take home the bronze medal in the third place match.
The games, which began on April 29, came to an end with a closing ceremony on Saturday which was attended by dignitaries including Gov Umaru Al-Makura, the state governor. (NAN)
VO/YAZ
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