Kogi United Pip FC Lokoja 1-0 To Lift 2016 Kogi FA Cup Trophy

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.

John Jerome’s 27th minute solitary goal was all coach Ishaya Jatau’s men needed to overcome their stubborn Nigeria’s third tier league side.

The narrow victory helped the National National League reclaim the coveted state’s Federation Cup trophy for the first time since 2014.

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.

Both finalists which missed out of the last year’s edition have qualified to represent the state in this year’s national Federation Cup final.

Speaking at the final, Comrade Arome Adoji, special adviser to the governor on sports and youth development pledged government’s resolve to revamp sports, especially football in the state.

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.

Aside call for state’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’s FA.

Meanwhile, Abdul Sule, elated chairman of Kogi United, expressed the delight over his side’s latest success lifting this year’s state Federation Cup and promised to make the state’s proud in the national finals.

Igho Kingsley