Former Super Eagles’ winger, Friday Elaho has stated delight with the innovations on offer at the ongoing Spires 5-A-Side Football Championship at Stables Sports Centre, Bode Thomas Street, Surulere, Lagos, where he is happily serving as a mentor.
Speaking against the backdrop of Wednesday’s semi-finals, from which All Saints FC and White Tigers both secured spots in Saturday’s final, Elaho said he is excited to mentor the youngsters and happy being part of the competition’s success story.
Elaho was present alongside fellow-ex-international, Friday Ekpo, and watched as All Saints beat ASD Academy 1-0 in the first semi-final, after which Two Odds FC equalized from 3-1 down but eventually lost to White Tigers via penalties.
Both finalists will continue being mentored by Elaho and Ekpo respectively, while former chairman of Edo State Football Association, Honourable Frank Ilaboya, who was a special guest for the day, also rated the competition very high.
While speaking on his rewarding experience before, during and after the matches, Elaho retorted, “I am excited with the level of innovation I am seeing here. This mentorship aspect is a big innovation in this tournament.
“I had fun with the players and officials as they were all excited to see me. In fact, most of them were seeing me for the first time and you could see joy in their faces. I am thrilled with this new dimension the organisers have brought into the game.”
Director of protocol for the competition, Akin Odunsi added: “The final is going to be nothing short of world class, as all logistics have been put in place. We are happy to announce that all the top dignitaries invited have confirmed their attendance.”
Sports247 gathered further that the winner of Saturday’s final in the competition – officially tagged Spires 5-A-Side Naija Street Soccer Tournament – will get N5m, while the runners-up receive N3m, and N1m goes to the third placed side.
