Gov. Sule Rewards Nasarawa Amazons, United with Cash, Bus After FA Cup Triumph

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has rewarded the state’s top football teams with cash gifts, vehicles and other incentives in recognition of their outstanding performances during the 2025/26 football season.

The governor announced the rewards while hosting players, coaches and officials of Nasarawa Amazons FC and Nasarawa United FC at the Government House in Lafia following the Amazons’ victory in the 2026 Women’s President Federation Cup.

The ceremony also featured the presentation of a brand-new 2026 model 38-seater coaster bus and financial support to both clubs, underscoring the state government’s commitment to grassroots and elite sports development.

Nasarawa Amazons clinched the Women’s FA Cup title after defeating Heartland Queens 6-5 on penalties at the Stephen Keshi International Stadium in Asaba, Delta State, on July 11, 2026, following a 1-1 draw in regulation time.

To celebrate the achievement, Governor Sule announced a cash reward of $1,000 each for the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, Hembafan Ayatsea, and the competition’s Best Goalkeeper, Udoka Unachukwu. The remaining 34 players received $500 each.

In addition, the governor approved N25 million for the team’s 36 registered players, N15 million for the management and technical crew, and N5 million for the club’s supporters’ association.

Nasarawa United, popularly known as the Solid Miners, received N10 million in recognition of finishing sixth in the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League and reaching the semi-finals of the President Federation Cup before losing to Ikorodu City FC on penalties.

Governor Sule also approved N10 million each for the feeder team of Nasarawa United and the Nasarawa State Football Association.

In a special recognition, the governor presented $500 to the Head of Public Relations of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development and Director of Media for Nasarawa United FC, Mr. Eche Amos, for what he described as his professionalism, consistency and outstanding promotion of sports in the state.

The governor further rewarded three traditional rulers who joined the state’s delegation to the FA Cup final in Asaba with $1,500 each. The beneficiaries were the Chun Mada, HRH Samson Gamu Yare; the Abaga Toni, HRH Lawrence Ayih II; and the Oriye Awuma, Alhaji Isah Mohammed Madaki.

Speaking during the reception, Governor Sule praised the Amazons for making the state proud, describing them as worthy ambassadors of Nasarawa.

“I thank you for making us all proud. You are indeed the pride of Nasarawa State,” he said.
He said sports remain a unifying force that transcends ethnic and religious differences, noting that many members of the state’s football teams are from different parts of the country but have continued to represent Nasarawa with distinction.

The governor revealed that he closely followed the teams’ matches while on holiday in the United States, receiving regular updates through the clubs’ official communication platforms.

He also commended government officials, the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, members of the State House of Assembly, the Nasarawa State Football Association, traditional rulers and other stakeholders for supporting the team throughout the competition.

As part of measures to improve players’ welfare, Governor Sule approved the immediate allocation of a befitting hostel for Nasarawa Amazons players and officials. He also directed the procurement of an official vehicle for the club’s Technical Adviser, Christopher Danjuma.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Kwanta Yakubu, commended the governor for his sustained investment in sports infrastructure and athlete welfare.

Yakubu described the rewards as a demonstration of the administration’s commitment to developing sports and creating opportunities for athletes across the state. He recalled serving as the governor’s aide on youth and sports when the Amazons won the FA Cup in 2019, describing the 2026 triumph as another historic milestone for Nasarawa football.