Nigeria Police Win Maiden Gombe Inter-Security Football Tournament as FA Launches State Security Unity Team

The Pantami Stadium came alive as the curtain fell on the first edition of the Gombe State Inter-Security Agencies Unity Football Competition, with the Nigeria Police Force emerging champions after a heated encounter with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The regulation time ended 2-2 before the Police triumphed 5-4 on penalties. Earlier in the day, the Department of State Services (DSS) secured third place with a hard-fought win over the Nigeria Correctional Service.

The event was graced by the Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Dr. Manasseh Daniel Jatau, who represented His Excellency, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya. In addition to delivering a goodwill message, the Deputy Governor also performed a symbolic tree planting as part of a green campaign organised by the Gombe State Football Association (FA) in partnership with AcreSAL and the Gombe Goes Green initiative.

The tree planting campaign, which began a day before the final, saw the Gombe FA Chairman, in company of representatives from AcreSAL, Gombe Goes Green, and various security agencies, lead a massive exercise that covered the Gombe Police Headquarters, NDLEA Rehabilitation Centre, and the Nigeria Correctional Service Headquarters. Each agency received 240 seedlings to further expand the green effort at their respective facilities.

Addressing guests at the final, Gombe State FA Chairman, Yakubu Sarma, applauded the cooperation of all participating agencies.

“Let me use this opportunity to thank all the heads of security agencies for cooperating with us throughout this competition. Indeed, the aim has been achieved,” he said.
“As you directed in the opening ceremony of this tournament, we have selected the best 25 players from the beginning to today that will form the Gombe State Security Team.”

The Deputy Governor, Dr. Jatau, in his remarks, reiterated the government's commitment to peacebuilding and inter-agency collaboration through sport.

“The purpose of this competition is not just to have a winner, but to create synergy between our security agencies and the other workforce,” he said.
“As the FA Chairman has started, we have selected a 25-man list that will make the State Security Team, and they will be called the State Security Unity Team. We will do our best to register the team in the league and give it all the necessary support.”

The tournament climaxed with presentation of individual honours. Awards were handed out to the Best Player, Top Scorer, and Best Goalkeeper.