Kogi/Koton-Karfe Lawmaker, Maikudi Kicks off Opanda Unity Football Tournament »

The much-anticipated Opanda Unity Football Tournament commenced on Monday with a thrilling opening match between Dagbajeworo FC and Girinya United. The tournament, organized by Honourable Idris Aliyu Maikudi, the member representing Kogi/Koton-Karfe State Constituency in the Kogi State House of Assembly, aims to promote peace and unity within the constituency.

The kickoff match, held at Community Secondary School field, Girinya, drew a large crowd of excited constituents, eager to witness the beginning of what promises to be an exciting tournament. The event was graced by several dignitaries, including the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar, who was represented by the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Suleiman Abdulrazaq, the Ajaokuta State Constituency lawmaker, Hon. Jibril Abu alongside other political associates, friends and wellwisher of the lawmaker.

In his opening remarks, Honourable Maikudi emphasized the importance of unity and peaceful coexistence among the people of Kogi/Koton-Karfe. He highlighted the role of sports, particularly football, in fostering camaraderie and breaking down barriers within the community. The Honourable Member reassured the people of his continued commitment to providing quality representation and working towards the development of the constituency.

“We are here today to celebrate not just the love of football but the unity that it brings to our people. This tournament is more than just a game; it’s a statement of our shared commitment to peace, unity, and progress in Kogi/Koton-Karfe,” Maikudi stated.

The match itself was a spectacle, with both Dagbajeworo FC and Girinya United showcasing their skills in a fiercely contested game. The players demonstrated impressive sportsmanship, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats throughout the match. The game ended in a closely-fought 1-0 victory in favor of Dagbajeworo FC, leaving fans eager for the upcoming matches in the tournament.

The Opanda Unity Football Tournament will feature 16 teams from across the constituency, each vying for the championship title. The tournament is expected to run over several weeks, with the final match set to crown the top team in the constituency.

As the tournament progresses, the people of Kogi/ Koton-Karfe constituency commended the lawmaker for promoting peace and unity through sports. They expressed optimism that the tournament will not only provide entertainment but also serve as a platform for fostering stronger ties among the people of Kogi/Koton-Karfe, in line with Honourable Maikudi’s vision of a united and prosperous constituency.