By Our Correspondent.

The 2025 Barade Cup reached a thrilling climax this year, captivating fans and communities across Nasarawa State with a showcase of skill, passion, and sportsmanship. Alkabir FC emerged victorious with a narrow but decisive 1-0 win over the tenacious Black Scorpion FC, securing their place as champions of one of the region’s most prestigious grassroots football tournaments.

The grand finale, held yesterday in Nasarawa town, before an enthusiastic crowd of football supporters and local leaders, was made even more memorable by a special ceremony honoring Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu, also known as Sarkin Yakin Keffi. The senator was awarded a Golden Medal as an Icon of Sports, recognizing his extraordinary contributions to youth development and sports across Nasarawa State and Nigeria at large.

While Senator Wadada was unable to attend the event in person, his presence was strongly felt through the delegation led by Hon. Idi Dansauka, who accepted the honor on his behalf. Hon. Dansauka expressed the senator’s heartfelt gratitude for the recognition and reiterated Senator Wadada’s unwavering dedication to fostering youth empowerment and community unity through sports.

“Senator Wadada remains passionate about the power of sports to unite communities, discover young talents, and instill discipline. This medal is a testament to his enduring legacy in the sports sector,” Hon. Dansauka remarked during the ceremony.

On the pitch, the match lived up to its billing as a fierce battle between two talented sides. Alkabir FC’s lone goal in the second half proved enough to edge out a resilient Black Scorpion FC team, whose determination throughout the tournament earned them widespread respect. The crowd erupted into jubilant celebration as Alkabir FC lifted the trophy, marking a significant achievement in the club’s history.

The Barade Cup itself holds deep significance, having been instituted in honor of Rt. Hon. Dr. Musa Ahmed Mohammed, popularly known as Baraden Nasarawa. The tournament continues to be a vital platform for youth engagement, peace promotion, and community cohesion through the beautiful game. This year’s fiercely contested competition highlighted Nasarawa’s expanding pool of young football talent and the unifying power of sport.

As the celebrations wound down, the spotlight shone brightly on Senator Ahmed Wadada’s enduring legacy — one characterized by visionary leadership and a steadfast commitment to youth initiatives. His Golden Medal as Icon of Sports symbolizes not only a personal accolade but also a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring athletes and leaders across Nasarawa State.

The 2025 Barade Cup has once again affirmed the vital role of grassroots football in shaping the future of communities, nurturing young talents, and honouring those who champion the spirit of sportsmanship and development. With leaders like Senator Wadada paving the way, Nasarawa’s sporting landscape looks poised for even greater achievements in the years ahead.