Vandeikya Local Government Area emerged champions of the rejuvenated Benue State Governor’s Cup after a hard fought 6-5 victory over Agatu Local Government Area on Saturday, January 4 at the famous JS Tarka Stadium Gboko.

After the regulation time ended in a barren draw, the match watched by a capacity crowd including the Benue State Governor, Rev. Father Hyacinth Alia, went to penalty shoot-out where the boys from Vandeikya kept their nerves to emerge victorious.

In his post-match interview, the victorious coach, Benjamin Kude, a Lobi Stars legend, attributed his team’s victory to God and a dint of luck as he said penalty is a lucky game.

“Penalty is a game of luck, and the lucky side won. I commend my players for putting up a good fight.”

On his part, the coach of Agatu LGA, Ameh Yusuf, congratulated Vandeikya for emerging champions, stating that his team’s profligacy hampered their chances of lifting the trophy.

Meanwhile, Governor Alia who hails from the victorious Local Government Area, commended the teams and reiterated his commitment to sports development in the state.

He, therefore, pledged to upgrade the JS Tarka Stadium to international standard once the ongoing renovation of the Aper Aku Stadium in Makurdi is completed.

Apart from the governor, other dignitaries who graced the final were HRH, the Tor Tiv, Prof. James Iorzua Ayatse, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, Commissioner for Youths, Sports, and Creativity, Hon. Terkimbi Ikyange, Benue State Director of Sports and Chairman of Lobi Stars, Dr. Philip Nongu and the Chairman of Benue State Football Association (BSFA), Barrister Paul Edeh.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of trophies, medals and cash prizes as well as individual awards to outstanding players.