Barade Nasarawa Cup2025: Ochoche Ngbede’s Goal Seals Victory for El Kabir FC …As Salisu Usman Galadima Receives Lifetime Grassroots Football Game Changer Award

El Kabir FC clinched the 2025 Barade Nasarawa Cup title with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Black Scorpions of Nasarawa, thanks to a decisive first-half strike from Ochoche Ngbede.

Black Scorpions started the game brightly, dominating possession in the early exchanges. Their forward, Bilya Chinkai, proved to be a constant threat, testing El Kabir’s defense on multiple occasions. However, El Kabir’s backline stood resolute, thwarting his efforts with disciplined defending.

The breakthrough came in the 36th minute when Ochoche Ngbede’s well-placed strike beat the Black Scorpions goalkeeper—ultimately becoming the match-winner and crowning El Kabir FC as champions of this year’s edition.

FA Chairman Commends Organizers

Speaking after the final whistle, the Chairman of the Nasarawa State Football Association, Alhaji Salisu Usman Galadima, commended the tournament’s sponsor, Rt. Hon. Musa Ahmed Mohamed, PhD, for his unwavering commitment to grassroots football.

“I’d like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to Barade Nasarawa, Rt. Hon. Musa Ahmed Mohamed, PhD, for the successful hosting of the third edition of this remarkable tournament. It has not only brought together sons and daughters of Nasarawa but also attracted dignitaries from far and wide,” he said.

“As the state FA, we remain committed to supporting individuals and initiatives that harness football as a tool to foster peace and unity among our people.”

Alhaji Galadima also congratulated El Kabir FC on their triumph, encouraging the team to continue working hard in pursuit of greater success in the sport.

Honours and Dignitaries in Attendance

In recognition of his unwavering dedication to the sport, Alhaji Salisu Usman Galadima (Dan Iyan Kwandare) was honored with the Lifetime Grassroots Football Game Changer of the Year Award by the tournament organizers.

The event was graced by a host of high-profile dignitaries, including the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, H.E. Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule (ably represented by Deputy Governor Dr. Emmanuel Akabe), Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly Hon. Danladi Jatau, SSG Barr. Labaran Shuaibu Magaji, Rt. Hon. Musa Ahmed Mohamed (Accountant General), Hon. Dr. Aliyu Bello, PhD, and many others from the political, administrative, and footballing spheres.

Also in attendance were Barr. Isaac Danladi (Attorney General), Hon. Yakubu Kwanta Boha (Commissioner for Sports), Hon. Ibrahim Tanko (Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism), Hon. Sani Mohammed Ottos (Commissioner for Commerce), Solomon Babanja (Chairman, Nasarawa United), and other top officials.

The Nasarawa State FA Secretariat, led by Blessing David, as well as local government chairmen including Mallam Sidi (Keffi), board members like Segun Akeusola, and other key stakeholders also witnessed the tournament’s grand finale.

Individual Awards

• Golden Boot: Zakari (Mararaba Selected)
• Best Goalkeeper: Ismaila Ibrahim (Black Scorpions)
• Most Valuable Player (MVP): Ochoche Ngbede (El Kabir FC)