The second edition of the Plateau Christian Cup concluded in thrilling fashion on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at the Rochas School football field, where COCIN LCC Hwolshe edged out ECWA Bishara Two Jenta Adamu 1–0 to lift the 2025 championship trophy.
The decisive goal came in the 66th minute from Tongkit Raymond of COCIN Hwolshe, who also earned the Best Behaved Player award for his exceptional sportsmanship. Other individual honors went to Gyang Amos of ECWA Bishara Two — a former Plateau United player — who emerged as the Highest Goal Scorer, and Gobum Rotduwe of Mighty Jets, who was named Best Goalkeeper.
Ten teams representing various churches and ministries across Plateau State participated in the tournament, which was organized by the Lighthouse Rescue Sports Outreach (LRSO) to foster unity, discipline, and evangelism through sports.
Speaking to journalists, Choji David Bot, Project Manager of the Plateau Christian Cup 2025, described the event as a major success.
“It has been fulfilling; we’ve done our best and God has helped us. This year’s edition was better than the last, and the main goal remains to groom men and women in sports within the church. We are using sports as a platform to preach Christ and encourage churches to establish sports ministries,” he said.
Evangelist Habila James Gyang, Director of Technical for the Plateau Christian Cup, praised the players for their discipline and unity throughout the competition.
“Even after the final whistle, both teams showed love and respect. We witnessed great discipline, no major injuries, and true sportsmanship both on and off the pitch. The tournament showcased players with outstanding potential, some of whom could attract national scouts for youth and senior teams,” he noted.
He revealed that both finalists — COCIN Hwolshe and ECWA Bishara Two — will represent Plateau State at the upcoming Nigeria Christian Cup, expressing confidence that they would excel at the national level.
Reverend Dr. William Istifanus John, Chairman of RCC Hwolshe, commended the initiative for fostering unity among Christian youths across denominations.
“I’m glad to see our youths coming together as one in Christ through sports. There was no division — no ECWA, no COCIN. Everyone played as a team, showing that we are united in Christ Jesus,” he remarked.
Similarly, Lawrenzo Yakubu Gotao from Karl Kumi University lauded the organizers, noting that the competition not only promotes unity but also helps reduce youth restiveness.
“This kind of competition reduces youth restiveness and provides an opportunity for young people to showcase their talents. We plan to take sports more seriously in our institution after witnessing this,” he said.
Now in its second edition, the Plateau Christian Cup continues to serve as a dynamic platform for promoting peace, unity, and the message of Christ through sports among youths in Plateau State.
