By Sadiq Moyoyo, Jalingo
The annual PRESS WEEK of the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ, Taraba State Council has organised a Novelty match between NAWOJIANS and NAMEJIANS.
The event took place at the C2C sports complex in Jalingo, the state capital with a large crowd of members and friends of the Press.
The Novelty, which was organized to entertain members by the NUJ state council in collaboration with the SWAN Taraba state chapter, as part of the activities marking the annual event, ended 1-0 in favour of NAWOJIANS.
Both teams commenced with prayers as usual.
We saw skills and artistry as far as football is concerned.
Professionals like Alhaji Magaji Hunkuyi, Hon. Ben Adaji, Adamu Also, Kabiru TTV, goalkeeper Emmanuel Awari, and above all the honourable SWAN Chairman Yarima Sani displayed skills in defending and attacking for NAMEJIANS.
The NAWOJIANS came up with a very dangerous lineup which included Linda Gwana, a shot-stopper (goalkeeper) who saved several attempts by the forward liners of NAMEJIANS, other players like Irirriben at the midfield, Kalia Johnson at the right flank with the untouchable defence machinery, the squad that forced the March to finish at one goal to nil against NAMEJIANS.
Our correspondent who covered the Novelty match reports that a dangerous striker, Joy Lot Mangwam, who lost a penalty during the first half, which would have given NAWOJIANS an edge over its opponent by two goals, was also the goalscorer.
Mrs Mangwam scored the only golden goal in the second half, a few minutes to the final whistle of the match.
It is worth noting that the Nawojian’s first Goalkeeper, Hajiya Hadiza of TTV performed excellently by preventing NAMEJIANS’ scoring chances on several attempts.
Addressing newsmen shortly after the Novelty, the Nuj chairman, Comrade Mathew Eliud Jen appreciated members for the turnout and urged them to maintain the tempo.
The chairman expressed delight as the aim of organising the Novelty match was achieved.
In their separate remarks, the immediate past SWAN National Deputy President Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Moyoyo and the representative of the Director of the Taraba Sports Council praised the leadership of Mathew Eliud Jen for a successful event, describing the moment as exciting, as well as congratulated NAWOJIANS.
On his part, the former Nuj Taraba council chairman, Comrade Abdullahi Gambo encouraged members to maintain the spirit of unity and camaraderie and praised the efforts of the current leadership.
SWAN Chairman Taraba state chapter, Sani Yarima, described the match as historic, which was not only fascinating but that it has entertained spectators.
Yarima, however, pledged to organize a return match between NAWOJIANS AND THE NAMEJIANS to retaliate the defeat against them during SWAN week.
The SWAN chairman appreciated their partners, especially the NFF Board member, Mr Timothy Heman, the Sports Council, and the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Taraba state branch for their support.
Additionally, Yarima acknowledged the unwavering commitment of one of his members, Pastor Simon Danladi Atta of NTA Jalingo and urged others to emulate.
Nawoj chairperson, Mrs Janet Audu, appreciated the Nuj state council and described the match as interesting, saying that the victory had proven her earlier prediction of defeating the NAMEJIANS.
The NAMEJIAN’s technical Coach, who is also the Chairman of Nuj Taraba Correspondents’ Chapel, Mr Gabriel Yough, described the defeat against his team as the fun of the event and commended the Nuj for reviving the initiative after a ten-year break.
However, the Public Relations Officer of the Taraba State Sports Council, Mr Livingston Adamu regretted his lack of participation but vowed to defeat NAWOJIANS in the next encounter.
Other dignitaries who witnessed the match included the GM Shinmo FM, Engr. Lawan Sanya, Director of News TSBS Jalingo, Abdullahi Gambo, and the representative of the state sports council, as well as Nuj Taraba council Secretary, Mr Apollos Denis.
Also notable among the distinguished guests are the immediate past Secretary of Nuj Taraba Council, Lidia Wilson Kurutsi, the immediate past chairperson of Nawoj, Mrs Dinatu Danjuma, and the Special Adviser to Governor Kefas on Digital Economy, Hon. Justin Tyopuusu, Mr Sabo Yakubu of the State Ministry of Information, among others.
The highlights of the match were a kickoff by the Taraba state council chairman of NUJ, Comrade Mathew Eluid Jen, alongside other Excos and a group photograph.
In another development, the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, Hon. Mrs. Merry Sinjen, presented an award on the final day of activities for the week.
Assisted by the SWAN chairman, she awarded a trophy to the Nawojians, which was dedicated to the wife of the Governor, Mrs Agyin Kefas, by the chairperson of the Nawojians.
