Kogi United emerged champions the 2016 Kogi State Federation Cup following a 1-0 victory over city rivals, Lokoja FC at the Kogi Confluence Stadium, Lokoja on Sunday.<br /><br />John Jerome&rsquo;s 27th minute solitary goal was all coach Ishaya Jatau&rsquo;s men needed to overcome their stubborn Nigeria&rsquo;s third tier league side.<br /><br />The narrow victory helped the National National League reclaim the coveted state&rsquo;s Federation Cup trophy for the first time since 2014.<br /><br />For reward, Kogi United received a giant golden trophy and two packet of jerseys, while runners up Lokoja Fc went home with a packet of jersey and silver trophy.<br /><br />Both finalists which missed out of the last year&rsquo;s edition have qualified to represent the state in this year&rsquo;s national Federation Cup final.<br /><br />Speaking at the final, Comrade Arome Adoji, special adviser to the governor on sports and youth development pledged government&rsquo;s resolve to revamp sports, especially football in the state.<br /><br />Earlier, the state FA chairman, Mallam Isah Sulieman urged the state government to reconstruct the decaying Confluence Stadium playing turf and provide modern facilities at the main bowl.<br /><br />Aside call for state&rsquo;s ownership of a Nigeria Premier League outfit, Isah further appealed for improved investment in football to help nurture, discover and harvest talents and support for mobility to the state&rsquo;s FA.<br /><br />Meanwhile, Abdul Sule, elated chairman of Kogi United, expressed the delight over his side&rsquo;s latest success lifting this year&rsquo;s state Federation Cup and promised to make the state&rsquo;s proud in the national finals.<br /><br />Igho Kingsley <br />