Kunle ADELABU
The fixtures for the first edition of the football tournament organized by Hon. Adebisi Adeola Banjo, Chairman, Ikorodu North Local Council Development Area (LCDA), tagged, ‘Banjo Super Cup’ has been scheduled with two teams from group A of the tournament, Incredible FC and Take Something FC, doing battle in the opening match immediately after the opening ceremony on July 27, 2018.
Teams from the five wards in Ikorodu North LCDA would be participating in the tournament.
While four teams would be representing the host community, Ward B3, Ward E1, E2, E3 and E4 would be represented by three teams each, taking the total number of the participating teams to 16 teams
The teams were placed in four groups at a well attended draw ceremony organised by the tournament’s organisers at the event hall of De Kings hotel, Akasolori, Ikorodu, organizers.
Other teams in Group A of the tournament are Okogbodo All Stars and The Elite FC.
In Group B are Maigida Boys FC, Haris FC, Amen FC and Odonla Boys FC.
The Group C comprises of Athletic Boys FC, Genesis 37 Boys FC, ECOMOG FC and Leaders FC.
While teams in group D include Adamo United FC, Isiwu Stars FC, Agodo Stars FC and Agbede Lion FC.
According to the organizers, all the rules of the game (FIFA rules) would be applied except that there would not be offside calls by the referee.
More so, the tournament, which is going to be officiated by qualified referees, would be a 9-aside championship while 15minutes would be played in each of the two halves.
Speaking at the draw ceremony, which had the attendance of managers, players and other stakeholders, Hon. Adeola Banjo, who was represented by his deputy, Hon. Ameen Apanisile, enjoined participating teams to demonstrate the spirit of fair play in their games.
“This is a tournament that we have put together to promote friendliness and cooperation among youths. Teams are expected to play fairly and follow the rules of the game.
“This is just the first edition. We assure you that it would get better by the time we shall be having the second edition.
“Our aim is to promote unity and peace in our community and football has proved to be a major factor in achieving this. Irrespective of the prize money and other gifts, we expect you to be good ambassadors of your teams, wards and the council.
“We appreciate the supports from our sponsors. Government alone cannot do everything which is why the input of corporate bodies and individuals are very necessary. We are still in talk with other corporate bodies and we are expecting them to come on board before the commencement of the tournament” , Hon. Banjo stated.
Hon. Banjo assured that the prize money for the first, second and third positions would be revealed before the first match kicks off on July 27, 2018.
Hon. Sesan Dada, the Vice Chairman, Ikorodu West LCDA, while also speaking at the draw ceremony stated:
“I want to commend Hon. Banjo for initiating this tournament to promote friendliness among the youths. As somebody who is involved in organizing sporting events, I know what it takes to put something like this together. Likewise, I want to thank the Vice Chairman of Ikorodu North LCDA for his support for the Chairman. The initiative is very commendable.
“Since the aim of the tournament is to promote friendliness, there would be no victor, no vanguish. We are all going to be winners irrespective of the team that eventually lift the cup.
“Every match should be seen as a friendly encounter and a do or die affair.
“Teams must eschew violence, respect the decisions of the Referees and follow the rules of the game. Violence and indiscipline should not be exhibited in any form.
“Beyond the prize money, players, coaches and others that will be involved in the tournament should also be concerned about the spirit of the game which is fairness and also be conscious of who might be watching them among the spectators”, Hon. Dada appealed.
The organizers have also assured that there would be maximum security throughout the tournament to prevent anybody from causing trouble.
Other dignitaries at the ceremony were Mr. Abiodun Adewunmi, the supervisory Councilor for Health, Mr. Sheriff Tijani, the supervisory Councilor for Youths and Sports, Mr Dabiri, Head of Agriculture department and Mrs Olatunji, Revenue Coordinator, Ikorodu North LCDA among others.
