-Paparazzi FA lifts cup
The representative of Ikorodu Constituency II, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. (Dr.) Aro Moshood Abiodun (AMA), has stated his desire to assist in the development of youths and plans to start his own football academy as major reasons for involvement in the age – group football competitions.
Hon. Aro spoke with THE IMPACT at the finals of the Ikorodu Constituency II All Stars Unity Cup and that of the U 17 Championship on Sunday at the Igbogbo stadium.
The match between the two talented young sides – UNIZEE FC and Paparazzi, ended 3 – 0 in favour of Paparazzi. While the champions received N500, 000 as the star prize, the first runner up, got N300, 000, while second runner – up received N200, 000 the fourth placed team N100, 000.
The champion took control of the game from the start of the final match, with sharp attacks and coordinated teamwork which paid off as they scored two early goals in the first half, putting pressure on Unizee FC.
In the second half, Paparazzi FC players continued their dominance, sealing the victory with a third goal.
Taiwo Samba, who later emerged as the Most Valuable Player (MVP), showed class with his pace, creativity, and ball control throughout the game.
In the other individual award, Paparazzi FA goalkeeper also emerged as the Best Goalkeeper of the tournament.
Hon. Aro said that he is providing opportunities for the youth to develop by staging the tournament to which he invited scouts to watch raw grassroots talents.
“When we played the first edition of the U -17, it’s final was played last year with that of the All Stars just like we are doing this year.
“This year, I felt that scouts should be here to watch the children play which made me reach out to those that can be of help for these youths in terms of growing and nurturing them.
Speaking on his own desire to run a football academy, AMA said: “As a football lover, I am also looking at how to setup my own football team and this U – 17 tournament also gives me the opportunity to pick among the players that participated for further grooming.
“They will be nurtured at the AMA Foundation Football Academy to become great talents that will represent Ikorodu Constituency II, Lagos State and Nigeria at large and also the world by His grace.
He added that by assisting the youth to grow, their families too are being assisted.
“Hopefully, scouts that also graced the finals will be able to pick some of them.
“We want to help the young, and assisting them to grow will also translate to their families’ progress. Therefore this event has already showcased the talents of some of these youths to the world.”
Alhaji Gafaar Olawale Liameed, Chairman, Lagos Football Association, also speaking with THE IMPACT commended the lawmaker for the youth soccer initiative which he said tallies with the state’s vision and ideals.
He said that the new Igbogbo Stadium which is nearing completion would be of great benefits to the development of youth.
“I love seeing children play and engage and that is what Hon. Aro is doing I give him credit for that.
“At the state level, what we want it is to see children engage after school. We want to see them play every Saturday and Sundays after Church and this stadium is key to the promotion of youth development and empowerment that the Lagos FA is advocating.
“With this stadium, we can only say thank you to our amiable Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo – Olu and to Hon. Aro Moshood and other stakeholders.
“This stadium will benefit thousands of youth. You can see the whole stadium alive with more than 2000 spectators in the stand. This is what we want and this is what we have been expecting,” he said.
The state FA Chairman, urging the youth said:
“My message to the youth is to play well, eat well, and eat well. They should go to school, leave the street and come into the stadium.”
In attendance were royal fathers, state functionaries, sports administrators and eminent other eminent personalities.
