Borno Govt. yet to honour Desert Warriors

Posted : 07 August 2024

While it is traditional for state governments in Nigeria to hold receptions in honor of their state-owned clubs for winning any major silverware, an age-old tradition, the 2024 President Federation Cup winners, El-Kanemi Warriors, are still in limbo as to whether such a gesture will be extended to them. The Borno State Government has remained silent about the reception, and no date has been given yet.

The Desert Warriors were gallant in the last and oldest cup competition in Nigeria, as the team managed to beat Abia Warriors, who are already in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), 2-0 in a match played on neutral ground at Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos Island.

The team not only defeated their opponent, Abia Warriors, in Lagos, but also showed class and became a reference point for how the fusion of young players in a professional club can yield significant results.

The final, which was attended by top government officials of Borno State, led by the Deputy Governor, lent credence to the potential of the Maiduguri-based side.

El-Kanemi Warriors had a splendid season. First, they secured promotion to the Nigeria Premier League after spending just a season in the Nigeria National League, where they qualified for the Super 8 played in Enugu with the highest points from their group.

They capped the season with a ticket to play in the CAF Confederation Cup in the upcoming season following their Federation Cup victory, which they had previously won back-to-back in 1991 and 1992.

In the final played at Onikan Stadium in Lagos on June 29, the 2-0 win over Abia Warriors showcased their dominance. They were undoubtedly the better side, firing on all cylinders from the beginning of their encounter with Abia Warriors, who were content merely chasing loose balls.

It was the first time the team had won a major trophy in over three decades. They lost their last attempt in the final of the Federation Cup in 2001, as they were defeated 0-1 by Dolphin of Port Harcourt at the National Stadium, Surulere.

This achievement and the eventual trophy parade in Maiduguri lifted the spirits of all the people in the state and gave them another precious moment to cherish.

Many are now wondering why the Borno State government, under the proactive and respected Governor Babagana Zulum, has yet to host the team for a grand reception to honor their achievement.

It's rather saddening to see that the runners-up team, Abia Warriors, have been hosted by Governor Alex Otti, who rewarded the team handsomely despite winning silver medals.

El-Kanemi Warriors are currently preparing for their CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round against FC Dadje of Benin Republic and the upcoming NPFL season.

A grand reception with Governor Zulum would not only boost their morale but also give them the impression that their efforts are being appreciated.

With about ten days to their first CAF Confederation Cup game, the players need motivation now more than ever, and being hosted by the Governor would go a long way.

Such a platform would also give the team an opportunity to further express their appreciation to Governor Babagana Zulum for supporting them throughout the last campaign.

If they were to be rewarded and awarded, such a gesture would only inspire the boys and officials to approach the upcoming campaigns with the utmost commitment, as they have been doing.

Borno Govt. yet to honour Desert Warriors

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