Kunle Adelabu
Guests and residents of Ikorodu Constituency II will on Sunday witness actions unfolding for the first time at the Igbogbo Stadium, as its arena hosts the closing ceremony and final match of the second edition of the Ikorodu Constituency II Unity Cup, between the Makbet and Tripple All Stars.
The two teams emerged as finalists after weeks of intense actions among 20 All Stars teams. Oke -Eletu and Ijede All Stars teams will play in the third -place match which will be staged before the final match.
The winners of tournament, initiated and sponsored by the representative of Ikorodu Constituency II, Hon. (Dr.) Aro Moshood Abiodun (AMA), will go home with N1million while there is N500, 000 cash prize for the second placed team and N400, 000 for the third. The sum of N300, 000 will be given to the fourth placed team.
Also, to be played tomorrow at the arena is the final match of the Ikorodu Constituency II youth football tournament, which is also an initiative of the lawmaker. The finals commenced at 12pm.
All the royal fathers in constituency II are expected to join Rep. Babajimi Benson, representative of Ikorodu Federal Constituency, Hon. Abiodun Orekoya, Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Sports, members of the Assembly, Chairmen across Ikorodu Constituency II, Mr Lekan Fatodu, Director – General, Lagos State Sports Commission, political leaders, scouts, sports administrators and other notable guests that will be gracing the finals.
In a chat with THE IMPACT at the weekend, Hon. Aro Moshood Abiodun, assured guests and spectators of thrilling and artistic football display by teams playing in the finals.
“What to expect tomorrow is the continuation of good football display by the teams and awesome support from fans. We are in for great and memorable matches because the teams will not want to disappoint their fans that have been moving round the four centres – Ijede, Imota, Igbogbo and Elepe, where the group stage matches of the tournament were played with them to see them play and cheer them to victory.
“We are expecting great football actions and great support from the spectators.”
While stating that he is fulfilled because the purpose that the tournament was initiated for has been achieved, Hon. Aro urged fans and residents that would be attending the finals to comport themselves and exhibit spirit of sportsmanship.
“We are appealing to all our fans and residents to assist us in sustaining the purpose of the tournament which is unity among the councils, communities and residents of Ikorodu Constituency II, which we have been able to achieve with this tournament since its commencement.
“You can see the enthusiasm, love and harmony exhibited by our people who were going with their teams to other communities to play. They go with them in large numbers and it was all about the sports.
“At the semi – final matches played at the Egbin Power PLC grounds, the officails had to call to enquire why they were not invited because of the crowd that attended the match and I had to tell them that it was just semi -final matches and not the real final.”
Hon. Aro added that the Governor only allowed the use of the stadium’s football arena which has been completed for the finals, and appealled to spectators to ensure facilities at the stand and other areas where construction works are still going are protected.
He assured that the tournament which has generated large follower-ship and intense interest will be sustained and continue to get bigger and better in succeeding editions.
The state lawmaker also lauded Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Bashorun, a chieftain of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) and former Secretary to the Lagos State Government and other leaders for their vision and commitment to development in ensuring the land on which the stadium is being built is reserved and kept for the purpose.
