Girinya United has won the maiden edition of Opanda football tournament held in Kogi Local Government of the State.
They won their opponent Roki Academy 5:4 via penalty shoot out.
The tournament was organized by the member representing Kogi-Konton Karfe State Constituency in the Kogi State House of Assembly Hon. Idrees Aliyu Maikudi.
During regulation time, Girinya United won the first half by two goals to nothing while their opponent Roki Academy equalized the game in the second to push it to penalty shoot out.
Speaking at the end of the match, the Speaker, Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf described sport a one of the most unifying factor in the country.
He charged the house committee on sports to go to the grassroot in search of raw talents stressing that the team that emerge winner showed their determination to be victorious in the game.
According to him “This game today shows the unity of purpose between this two communities. We should not allow anything to divide us but unite all of us because we are one Kogi State. Tournament like this should be encouraged by all and sundry for Kogi State to move forward”.
The Speaker, however, commended the Lawmaker representing Kogi Koton Karfe State Constituency for giving back to the grassroot adding that, his wealth of experience has contributed immensely for the development of the State through law making and house resolution.
The organizer of the event who doubles as the Chairman, House standing committee on education Hon. Idrees Aliyu Maikudi averred that he remain committed in bringing development to his constituents, adding that, the football tournament is one of his project in catching young talent.
Hon. Maikudi promised to continue to deliver on his campaign promises for his people adding that, he remained focused in the development agenda of his Constituency.
“Am highly elated to be part of history in my Constituency. I believe in the philosophy of catching them fresh at the grassroot. During my campaign, I promise to ensure that my People are well represented. It is my determination to attract all the needed development through motions and bills to my Constituency.This I will continue to do till my last breath on earth”he added.
Yakubu Alhassan won the best player of the tournament while Magaji from Giriya United won the best defender, Catilla from Girinya United won best goal keeper.
However, Two players were picked from the teams in the final to represent the State own team Kogi United.
The final of the Opanda football tournament had in attendance members representing Lokoja I, Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon. Shehu Bin Ebaiya, Hon. Sheyi Bello, (Kabba Bunu), Hon. Sunday Daku, (Bassa), Hon. Bode Ogunmola, (Ogori-Magongo), Rt Hon. Comfort Ojoma Nwuchiola Egwaba, (Ibaji) Hon. Umar Yahaya, (Omala), Major Enefola, (Igalamela Odolu), Hon. Jacob Sam Olawunmi, (Mopa-Muro) Hon. Abu Onoru-Oiza Jibrin and Ujah Alewo Anthony, (Olamaboro).
