Bauchi crowned north-east football champion at ACF unity tournament
By Ahmed Ahmed
Bauchi State has been crowned champion of the 2025 North-East Unity Football Tournament organized by the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) after defeating Gombe State 3–1 on penalties.
The pulsating final, held at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi, ended 1–1 in regulation time before Bauchi triumphed in the penalty shootout to claim the zonal trophy on Wednesday.
The competition, which featured teams from across the North-East, formed part of activities marking the 25th anniversary celebration of the ACF.
Chairman of the tournament, Dr. Abubakar Fakai, congratulated the Bauchi team for their victory and expressed appreciation to the Bauchi State Government for hosting the three-day event successfully.
He revealed that winners from the six geopolitical zones will converge in Kaduna for the grand finale, where they will compete for the overall championship title of the ACF Unity Football Tournament.
Dr. Fakai further disclosed that the 25th anniversary celebration would also include the unveiling of a ₦100 billion endowment fund aimed at tackling youth hardship and promoting empowerment across the 19 northern states.
Bauchi State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Alhaji Adamu Gabarin, lauded the ACF for using sports as a tool to foster unity and social cohesion.
He assured that the state would continue to support sporting events under Governor Bala Mohammed’s administration, emphasizing that Bauchi remains committed to youth development and national unity through sports.
Gabarin expressed confidence that Bauchi would replicate its zonal success by emerging champion at the national finals in Kaduna
