Zakirai Strikers battle FC Lazio in finals of Igbinomwanhia Cup in Kano
The city of Kano will be agog on Saturday, May 12, as two grassroots football clubs, Zakirai Strikers Gabasawa battle FC Lazio Kwasangwami in the finals of this year’s Major General Sunday Igbinomwanhia football competition at the Pillars Stadium in Sabon-Gari. A total of 32 youth football clubs from four Kano local governments namely Gezawa; […]
The city of Kano will be agog on Saturday, May 12, as two grassroots football clubs, Zakirai Strikers Gabasawa battle FC Lazio Kwasangwami in the finals of this year’s Major General Sunday Igbinomwanhia football competition at the Pillars Stadium in Sabon-Gari.
A total of 32 youth football clubs from four Kano local governments namely Gezawa; Gabasawa; Minjibir and Nasarawa as well as Ringim Local Government of Jigawa State featured in the 10th edition of the competition.
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s finals, the sole sponsor of the tournament, Major General Sunday Igbinomwanhia said the aim of the competition is to positively engage the teeming youths of Kano and keep them away from social vices like drug addiction.
The military officer said even though he is from Edo State, he was brought up in Kano State so he feels obligated to always give something back to the society that has contributed immensely to his life.
“I am from Edo State but I was brought up in Kano. So, I have an emotional attachment to Kano.
“The primary aim of the tournament is to create awareness among the youths about the negative effects of drug addiction. So, at every finals, we bring in the NDLEA to talk to the youths on the dangers inherent in addiction to drugs and other social vices.
“We are going to do the same thing at this year’s finals by displaying banners with different anti-drug messages at the venue. You can imagine the number of youths who would be enlightened and encouraged to desist from drug abuse,” said General Igbinomwanhia.
On his part, the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Engineer Mato Haladu Jogana, commended the sponsor for his magnanimity and love for people of Kano.
He also said at the end of the tournament, the two finalists would take home giant trophies, medals and cash prizes.
Jogana added that there will be individual awards for the Best Player, Highest Goalscorer, Best Goalkeeper and the Best Behaved team.