*Maranatha claim bronze
*organisers pledge to make it annual event
By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
Nasara G Maraban Rido have emerged champions of the maiden edition of The First Baptist Church Super 8 Unity Cup Competition, played at the sports complex of Baptist High School, Ungwan Boro Sabon Tasha, Kaduna on Monday April 1, 2024, beating the hosts by a lone goal
In the explosive final, the hosts lost several chances of leveling up after Nasara FC took the lead in the first half, courtesy of Jessy Pius, shocking the hosts, with he half ending with a lone goal behind the net.
The second half saw both teams attempt scoring, with The First Baptist Church Ibrahim Taiwo Road Kaduna, losing several chances created.
Earlier in the third place match, CAC Koseunti lost 0-1 to Maranatha Baptist Church Ungwan Boro at the same venue in a highly competitive match, with the latter claiming the bronzem
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In his remarks, UnderShepherd of The First Baptist Church Ibrahim Taiwo Road, Reverend Dr. Banjo Ajao assured that it would be an annual event.
He congratulated both teams that reached the final for efforts put in place to make it to the final.
“One thing is necessary, discipline must be in place. If you lose your self discipline, it is not good enough. I want to challenge all teams, know that only one will win the trophy. Do not exhibit spirit of hooliganism, which is not spirit of Christ,” he advised.
Speaking further, he said that, “Let me sincerely commend the sports officials, I pray that the Lord will take you to greater heights”.
High point of the closing ceremony was the presentation of trophy to winners, certificates and cash prizes to top three teams.
Nura Isa of The First Baptist Church emerged the Highest Goal Scorer, with three goals, Gabriel Ojo was voted Best Goalkeeper and Banta Emmanuel Yusuf emerged Most Valuable Player (MVP).
A health outreach was also held on the sidelines of the closing ceremony, where doctors and other medical teams attended to different health issues.
Eight teams that participated are, The First Baptist Church Ibrahim Taiwo Road Kaduna, Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Koseunti, Maranatha Baptist Church, Nasara Baptist Church, Maraba Rido, ECWA Goodnews Ungwan Maigero, Nasara FC Maraban Rido, Triumphant FC Maraban Rido and CYON St. Peters Catholic Church FC Ungwan Boro.
The competition kicked off on March 16, 2024.
