The inaugural NFF President Preseason Football Tournament for Nigeria National League (NNL) clubs concluded on a historic note on 20th November 2024, as Yobe Desert Stars emerged as the champions of the competition.

The final match saw Yobe Desert Stars defeat M&D FA 1-0 in a closely contested encounter, with the only goal of the match coming just before the break, ensuring an undefeated campaign for Yobe Desert Stars, who won all their games in the tournament.

In a heartfelt ceremony marking the end of the tournament, Hon. Alhasan Magaji, Senior Legislative Aide to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the Organising Committee, bid farewell to the participating teams, promising an even bigger and better edition in 2025.

Hon. Magaji extended his gratitude to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), led by President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, who attended the event along with his entourage. He also thanked the Kaduna State Government for its vital support, local stakeholders, and the passionate fans who made the tournament a resounding success. Magaji described the event as a "landmark achievement" in reviving football in Kaduna State.

NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau expressed his satisfaction with the tournament's organisation, praising the event's focus on grassroots football. "Two weeks ago, the organisers approached me with the idea of holding a football tournament in my name.

I encouraged them to include grassroots teams and football academies, and today we have an academy in the finals, which is very fulfilling," Gusau remarked.

He also outlined his vision to rejuvenate football across Nigeria, with particular emphasis on reaching all geopolitical zones and rural areas. Gusau urged the Kaduna State Government to work towards restoring the state's football legacy.

In keeping with his commitment, the NFF President presented the tournament's winners, Yobe Desert Stars, with a trophy and a cash prize of 1 million Naira. The runners-up, M&D FA, received 500,000 Naira. Additional individual awards were presented to the most outstanding players, Like the Highest Goal Scorer, Best Goal Keeper and Most Value Player.

The closing ceremony also saw the presentation of Meritorious Awards and Awards of Honour to several key stakeholders, including the Speaker of House Of Representatives, NFF President, Kaduna State Governor, the Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the Commissioner of Youth and Sports, and the Chairman of Kaduna State FA, as well as ceremonial decorations for all participating FA chairmen and members of the NFF entourage.

With this successful inaugural edition, the NFF President Preseason Football Tournament has laid the foundation for the revitalization of grassroots football in Kaduna State. Fans and participants are already looking forward to next year’s competition, which promises to be even more exciting and impactful for Nigerian football.