By joshua 
Hasken Obi Football Tournament: Abagu United FC defeats Obi United FC 2- 1 emerges champions
From Esther Akaa, Lafia
Abagu United Football club ( FC) has defeated Obi United FC 2-1 to emerge champions of the maiden edition of the “Hasken Obi” Peace and Unity football tournament Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State
The maiden edition of the Hasken Obi Peace and Unity football tournament was organised to bring young lads at the grassroots to display their talents and skills under frenzy atmosphere.
Characterised with frills and drills,confidence and resilience,Abuga United took the lead before the mark of an hour before Obi United equalised in the 2nd half to raise the tempo high and few minutes to the end of the regulation time, Abagu United stormed their opponent with a late goal to be crowned champions.
In a post match interview, the Senator representing Nasarawa South senatorial district, Senator Mohammed Onawo lauded the “Hasken Obi” Engineer Elisha Embuga for establishing a Football Academy in Obi LGA of the State.
Senator Onawo who expressed excitement on the quality of soccer displayed given the quantum of talents at the grassroots, saluted the idea of Embuga for establishing a Football Academy with a view to tap and maximise potentials embedded in State .
“I never expected within our community the standard at which both teams played,I’m sure if you find yourself in Arsenal,Chelsea and Man-U,you will do better.With the Academy to be established,im sure scout will be coming to look for you.
Also speaking, Senator Suleiman Adokwe also commended the Hasken Obi, Engineer Embuga for actively engaging the youth and equally spoke high of the intention of the sponsor to establish the Football Academy, assuring of his willingness to contribute to the laudable project he described as one in town.
“As a matter of fact I have seen great talents here and with good training,the sky will be your limit.If this Academy must be organized and come to reality,myself and my brother Senator Onawu must be the ones to make it a reality,” he added.
On his part, the Osuko of Obi, Alhaji Dan-Giwa Orume explained that the tournament was the best in recent times and noted that Obi community remains grateful for the investment by the Hasken Obi.
He assured of maximum support to actualise the vision of the Football Academy just as he praised the commitment of the organisers in ensuring smooth tournament.
Earlier , the sponsor of the tournament,Engineer Embuga revealed that the tournament was born out of his vision to establish a football Academy in Obi where he sought the collaboration of stakeholders to come with with an Academy that will be football and education driven.
“The Academy will not only serve the purpose of football but will also prioritise the personal development of our youths education, health and leadership in ensuring that every young person who passes through our program is equipped with life skills that goes beyond the pitch,” he said.
He, therefore encouraged youths to remain committed towards changing their world positively by maximising every opportunity abound in the sports sub-sector to improve themselves.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of individual and teams awards to distinguished players amidst jubilation by fans of the teams.