Galadima Hails Malakia’s Hospitality

Former NFF President Ibrahim Galadima has praised the hospitality of officials and fans of Al Malaika Football Club of Sudan, who lost 0-2 to Nigerian champions Kano Pillars FC in the first leg of their 2015 CAF Champions League fixture in Juba at the weekend.

Goals from Gambo Muhammad and former Enugu Rangers ace Christian Obiozor condemned the hosts to defeat and with a mountain to climb in the return leg at Sani Abacha Stadium next weekend. But Galadima, who is vice chairman of Kano Pillars’ Continental Campaign Committee, was full of adulation for the South Sudan champions.

 “In all my years of traveling, I am yet to see anything close to the good brotherliness and hospitality that Al Malaika FC officials accorded us in Juba.

They treated us like brothers and even on their own mobilized Nigerians based in Juba to come and receive us at the airport and to support us at the stadium during the match,” said Galadima, who held the reins at the NFF between 2002 and 2006

NFF official Danlami Alanana who accompanied the Nigerian champions corroborated the assertions and also expressed pleasant surprise at the reception.

 “It was like a carnival. They did not treat us as opponents. Al Malakia FC officials didn’t pull any punches with hospitality for the entire Nigerian delegation, and I am aware that officials of Kano Pillars FC are also thinking of how to reciprocate the marvelous gesture when Al Malakia visit next week.”

 Both teams clash again in the second leg of their first round fixture in Kano on Saturday, 28th February. Enyimba confront Akwa United First round fixtures of the 2014/2015 Nigeria Professional Football League season shows that People’s Elephant,