Two popular grounds for grassroots football action in Lagos State – Ejigbo Mini Stadium and Sansan Pitch at Igando – were on Saturday taken over by religious and social activities, respectively.
On the spot checks by Sports247 revealed that, while a popular pentecostal church took over the mini stadium at Iyana Ejigbo, along Ikotun-Isolo Road, a burial feast was ongoing at Sansan Pitch, close to the royal father’s palace at Igando.
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A cross-section of young and aspiring footballers who spoke to Sports247 at both venues disclosed that such occurrences are now common at both grounds, as community leaders often lease public spaces once event organisers are ready to pay stipulated fees.
However, a youngster named Okikiola Akinpelu told Sports247 that his coach knew ahead of time that the pitch would not be available for their training session and he quickly arranged for them to play an away friendly match, which would keep them busy this Saturday at another venue.
On the other hand, some players were spotted at Iyana Ejigbo field, looking dejected and confused, as they had apparently not been aware that the arena, which also houses a popular basketball academy, would not be available this Saturday.
When taken up on the development, an official of the church, whose revival sent all football activities packing this weekend, posited that there is nothing wrong in changing the arena’s normal routine, especially when the event taking over is about spreading the word of God.
Another official of the church, who refused to give his name, added: “We’ve not done anything wrong by coming here with our crusade. We don’t do this all the time. So, once in a while, they should please bear with us.
“I know that things like this even happen at big stadiums across the world and all across Nigeria …. talk less of this small pitch. Even schools normally give out their premises for events like this, once you pay their rental fees.”
