The public relations director of Spires 5-Aside Naija Street Soccer Tournament, Victor Ottah has come out with a declaration that the annual youth development competition offers plenty of grit and excitement whenever it takes place.
Sports247 reports that Ottah gave this revelation while speaking during the final of the prestigious grassroots competition’s Badagry divisional qualifiers, from which three teams picked slots into the Lagos State championship.
While Chekas United emerged champions of the Badagry divisional qualifiers and first-time campaigners, Smiler All Champions also got one of the tickets, former winners, All Saints FC failed to reach the state championship.
Chekas United won the Badagry qualifiers at Honourable Lukman Olumoh Sports Complex in Awori-Ora, Ajegunle, after a penalties’ shootout victory over Smillers All Champions, who marked their debut with an impressive outing.
Victory came for Chekas United after both teams were deadlocked at 3-3 at the end of regulation time, before which Emaljus FC got a 2-1 win over All Saints FC to place third in the qualifiers and pick the division’s last spot for the state level.
As champions of the division, Chekas got N500,000 for their efforts, while Smiller went home with N300,000 and Emaljus received N100,000 with All Saints FC’s Moses Obi handed N50,000 for emerging as highest goal scorer.
While commenting on the final and entire outcome of the competition, Ottah, said Badagry division lived up to expectations and he also acknowledged the very deep level of passion that was displayed by football fans.
“This is what the tournament is about: plenty of grit and excitement. The Badagry division was truly a spectacle; we hope for more fireworks from the teams in Ikeja coming next,” said Ottah, who also praised the players for their efforts and skills.
Sports247 reports further that the competition’s brand ambassador, Chukwudi Ezugwu praised the initiator, Dr Bankole Allibay, for creating what he called ‘a platform that helps young players develop and take their careers to the next level.
