Lagos State Football Association (LSFA) Reveals Details of Inaugural Nigeria Ex-Internationals Cup Tournament
The Lagos State Football Association (LSFA) made an exciting announcement today at its Surulere office, unveiling plans for the inaugural Nigeria Ex-Internationals Cup. The event, which promises to be a celebration of football heritage, will take place from June 1st to 30th across various venues in Lagos.
During the well-attended press conference, LSFA Chairman Hajji Gafar Liameed shared the vision behind organizing this landmark tournament. “Football belongs to footballers. They are the custodians of the beautiful game,” stated Gafar. “For too long, our retired football stars have been kept in the shadows. Now, it’s time for them to return and enjoy the limelight once again.”
The tournament aims to bring back ex-international players as Coach-Mentors, allowing them to share their wealth of experience and knowledge with the next generation of players.
Vice-Chairman of Lagos FA, Adedotun Coker, provided insights into the tournament format, revealing that 32 teams will compete on a home-and-away knockout basis. The matches will progress from the preliminaries to the quarter-finals, which will be held at the esteemed Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan, Lagos.
Engr. Waidi Akanni, Chairman of the tournament organizing committee, highlighted the participation of 32 ex-international players, who will form or adopt teams in their respective localities and serve as coaches for these teams.
Akanni also announced plans to ensure a memorable experience for everyone involved, including fully kitted teams and officials courtesy of a leading Nigerian sportswear company.
The press conference was graced by esteemed ex-international players such as Peter Rufai, Franklin Howard, Friday Elahor, Taiwo Oloyede, Jide Oguntuase, Taiwo Enegwa, Edema Benson, Loveday Omoruyi, Monday Kanu, Festus Odini, and others.
As anticipation builds for the tournament, football enthusiasts can look forward to exciting matchups in the Round of 32, including clashes between FC Victor Agali and FC Yakubu Aiyegbeni, FC Jide Oguntuase and FC Dosu Joseph, FC Alloy Agu and FC Yusuf Ayila, and several other intriguing fixtures showcasing the talents of these legendary players turned coaches.
