The Chairman of Borno State Football Association (FA), Alhaji Babagana Kalli, has attributed the recent accomplishments of El-Kanemi Warriors to the cordial relationship existing between the management of the club and the FA.
It will be recalled that soon after they picked the promotion ticket to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), the Borno warriors went a step further to win the prestigious Federation Cup trophy which they last won in 1992.
They have now qualified to represent Nigeria in next year’s CAF Confederation Cup along with former African Champions Enyimba.
Speaking exclusively to Daily Trust yesterday, Babagana expressed happiness over the resurgence in El-Kanemi Warriors which has happened in his time as the Chairman of the Borno FA.
“I am so delighted and excited with the victory of El-Kanemi Warriors. Like you rightly said, it is happening after 32 years. I am one of the happiest individuals on earth because it has happened during my time as the Chairman of the Football Association and we don’t know when it will happen again.
“Secondly, we have to thank his Excellency, the Executive Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, for giving the team all the necessary support to excel.
“I strongly believe that this support from the government is possible because the dynamic Commissioner, Hon. Saina Buba, who used to be the Chairman of the club is now the Hon. Commissioner for Sports, Youth Development and Poverty Alleviation. This young gentleman has done a lot to get El-Kanemi back to the Premier league and to win the Federation Cup.
“The cohesion, cooperation as well as synergy between the FA, the management of El-Kanemi and the Ministry of Sports has made the victory a reality.
The NFF Executive Committee member and FIFA Match Commissioner, therefore, called on the people of Borno State to continue to support the club to succeed at home and abroad.
“I want to thank the good people of Borno State for their prayers and support and call on them to rally round the new El-Kanemi Warriors that will be playing in the NPFL and Confederation Cup. Together, we would make another history,” said the NFF Match Commissioners’ Appointment and NFF Security and Safety Committee Chairman.