By Eche Amos

As D-day for the 39th edition of Rahmat U-16 National Football Championship draws nearer, Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Nasarawa State, Amb. Lucky Isaac Yargwa, has urged the State’s Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria, YSFON, U-16 Boys’ Team to ensure they win the tournament and bring the trophy as a present to the Executive Governor of the State, His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi Sule.

The Commissioner made the call when he visited the team’s training session at the Lafia City Stadium on Thursday afternoon.

In his words, he said, “I have been briefed about your level of preparedness ahead of the championship. But I have to come and still see for myself and encourage you to redouble your efforts so as to bring the trophy home.

“The Government, under the prudent and transparent leadership of Governor Abdullahi Sule, has made all necessary supports available for you to excel at the tournament.

“All we need as a State now is for you to replicate the gesture by winning the age-grade competition, which, from all indications, you are boosted to deliver.”

Amb. Yargwa, who was accompanied by the State’s Chairman of YSFON, Comr. Usman Suleiman Bako as well as Adamu Yusuf of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, revealed that the Governor Sule Administration rewards excellence, and is eagerly waiting for the outcome of the team’s performance at the tournament, hence the need to surpass their previous records.

The 39th edition of the Rahmat Cup commences on Saturday, 12th February, 2022, and runs through to 19th of same month in the ancient city of Kano, North-Western Nigeria, with the entire States of the Federation and FCT, Abuja, participating.

Kwara State are the defending champions, having won the 2021 edition, while Nasarawa State got eliminated at the Group Stage.

In a separate development, the Nasarawa State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Amb. Lucky Isaac Yargwa, was at the Lafia City Stadium to inspect the ongoing renovation works at the facility.

After undertaking routine assessments, the Commissioner said he was pleased with the progress of the job, but urged the contractor to fast track the work to meet the agreed deadline.

He emphasized that all necessary documents regarding the project have been signed by all the parties involved, assuring that Government will continue to provide enabling environment for youth of the State to explore their potentials and sporting activities to thrive.