The Benue State Football Association (BSFA) has restructured its league system to include the Benue Premier Football League (BPFL), Benue Super League (BSSL), and Benue Grassroots Football League (BGFL).
This was announced in a communique issued at the conclusion of the association congress held in Makurdi, the state capital. The congress also agreed on the constitution of boards to oversee the running of the leagues.
The congress approved the establishment of three football league systems for both male and female teams in the state and passed a vote of confidence in the board led by chairman Dr. Paul Edeh and all members for their exemplary, strategic, and visionary leadership in the administration of football within the state.
The communique further outlined the approval of tournaments for the year 2025, which will include the Governor’s Cup, Speaker’s Cup, FA Chairman’s Cup, Rt. Hon. Margaret Icheen’s Benue State League, Tor Tiv Unity Cup, Och’Idoma Unity Cup, and an International Women’s Day novelty match, among others.
It also stated that the congress resolved to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Institute for Sports (NIS) to train and certify coaches and referees in the state. It was emphasized that henceforth, only certified coaches affiliated with the BSFA and trained by NIS will be eligible to practice within the state.
The congress also decided to implement the EduBall Project in collaboration with Benue State University and to partner with the Benue State Ministry of Education to develop a football curriculum for primary and secondary schools in Benue State, ensuring early talent identification and development.
The affiliation of Benue Queens FC to the BSFA was approved, while the congress abolished the previous BSFA logo and adopted a new one.
Additionally, the establishment of the BSFA Football Trust Fund and the Welfare Fund to promote rapid football development and cater to the welfare of members was approved, along with the scheduling of elections for the boards of the 23 Local Council Football Associations in May 2025. The recruitment and training of young and vibrant referees across the 23 local government areas of the state were also included in the resolutions.
The congress also resolved to partner with the Football Coaches Association of African Nations (FCAAN) for coaching training for Benue coaches, with a commitment to continue supporting the management of Lobi Stars Football Club in their pursuit of success.
In commending Governor Hyacinth Alia for his support of sports development in the state by reviving the Governor’s Cup and upgrading football infrastructure across the state, the communiqué also expressed gratitude to the Commissioner for Youths, Sports, and Creativity, Terkimbi Ikyange, for the excellent collaboration and partnership with the BSFA in promoting sports development.
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