11th April, 2012
Captain of NAS Warriors, Abdulahi Garuba says determination and hardwork were responsible for their victory in the final of Promasidor Parasoccer Championship, held on Monday at the Gymnasium of the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos.
The regulation time and the extra time of the explosive final ended 1-1 draw. The first five penalty shootout could not produce a winner until NAS Warriors edged out their opponents TC Terrors of Lagos in the first to lose penalty kicks. The game ended 9-9, as Terrors lost their tenth kick, while the Warriors snatched away the trophy.
Garuba admitted that both teams gave very good account of themselves, but noted that they were determined for victory in the game.
“I thank God that we won the tournament. Our opponents gave us a good fight from the blast of whistle, but we were resolute and remained focused during the penalty shootout,” he said.
Wife of Adamawa Governor, Dr (Mrs) Alima Nyako, who was among the dignitaries that witnessed the final ceremony told P.M.Sports that she was impressed with the performance of both teams, and promised to support the next edition.
Nyako, who is the President of Paralympics Federation of Nigeria, commended Promasidor for sponsoring the tourney over the years.
She called on other corporate organisations to support the cause of the physically challenged athletes in the country.
NAS Warriors players got N30,000 each, players of the second placed team got N25,000 each, players of the third placed team from Adamawa State got N22,000, while players of the fourth placed team, Lead United got N20,000.
—Sunday Akintoye