The Kaduna State Para-Soccer team on Wednesday defeated their Kano State counterparts 6-3 in the final of this year’s World Polio Day Para-Soccer National Championship at the Rowe Park Sports complex in Lagos.

Kano State had dominated the competition after they won four titles in 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2017 in Anambra State.

Although they were tipped to retain the trophy, the team from Kaduna State in their first final enjoyed tremendous inspiration from their star man, Abdulrahman Yunus to conquer their more illustrious opponents.

Yunus crowned his spectacular showing with a hat-trick in the final match against Kano State.

According to a member of the technical committee, Coach Mansur Abubakar, new comers in the game Delta State won the third place match against Katsina State.

He told newsmen that the match which ended in 4-4 draw was decided on penalties with victory going the way of the debutants who had to dig deep to beat experienced keeper Bature Danjuma who was in goal for Katsina State.

Veteran player and one of the founding members of the game, Bala Isa was recognized and given an award for promoting the game.

In addition, the governors of Delta, Bayelsa, Katsina, Lagos and Gombe were also given awards for their enormous contributions to the sport in their states.

Awards also went the ways of Kola Shidipo and Bunmi Ogunjirin for their immense contributions to para-soccer.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, the special guest of honour and national chairman of polio plus committee, Dr. Tunji Funsho said the rate of polio cases in the country has reduced drastically.

The former District Governor of Rotary International also called on parents to always ensure that they immunize their children accordingly.

In his remarks, the president and founder of Para-soccer, Alhaji Misbahu Lawan Didi thanked Rotary International for sponsoring the tournament for the past six years.