The Lagos FA Preseason Tournament, set to commence from September 18th to 22nd, 2023, was officially introduced during a press conference held on September 8th, 2023.
The event, graced by distinguished members of the Lagos FA, representatives from participating football clubs, prominent figures from the football community, and media personnel, marked a significant moment in Lagos’ football calendar.
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Notably, former Nigerian goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, known as “Dodo Mayana,” was among the distinguished guests in attendance.
Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association (LSFA), Ogboni Fouad Oki, welcomed the attendees with an opening remark, expressing gratitude to all those present, particularly the participating clubs, for their interest in preparing for the preseason tournament.
Victor Akinmoyo, providing an overview of the tournament, revealed that a total of 16 teams would participate in this year’s competition, featuring a total of 33 matches. The tournament would accommodate matches from 7 am to 6 pm, allowing the general public to enjoy the games at their convenience.
The tournament schedule spans from September 18th to 22nd, 2023, with matches including quarter-finals, semi-finals, a third-place match, and the grand final. Awards such as the Most Valuable Player (MVP), best goal scorer, and best goalkeeper would be presented.
Additionally, a comprehensive technical committee report would be provided to each participating team, with insights from experienced ex-internationals. The primary goal of the LSFA is to offer robust support to Lagos State teams to enhance their performance in Nigerian football. The tournament aims to provide teams with a platform to assess their strengths and foster an environment for high-quality football.
Dele Atoun, who advised on the laws of the game, emphasized the importance of understanding the rules of football for all football enthusiasts and lovers. Knowledge of the laws enhances comprehension of the game and its intricacies.
Notably, added time would be a new feature in the tournament, and referees were encouraged to allocate sufficient additional time during matches. In penalty shootouts, there would be no distraction of the player by the designated goalkeeper.
The innovative initiatives introduced by the new FA team were acknowledged, signifying a fresh era in the administration of Lagos football.
Monday Kanu unveiled the fixtures in a transparent manner, ensuring full transparency during the proceedings. The tournament would be divided into four groups:
*Group A:*
– First Bank FC
– Real Sapphire FC
– Lekki United FC
– Broad City FC
*Group B:*
– Trade Safe FC
– AS Risen FC
– Emi Dino FC
– BYT FC
*Group C:*
– Smart City FC
– Okaka FC
– TCCG FC
– Danas FC
*Group D:*
– Ikorodu City FC
– Spartan FC
– Magic Stars FC
– Buruj FC
The tournament’s opening match, scheduled for 7 a.m. on September 18, 2023, will feature First Bank FC against Real Sapphire FC at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena. Subsequent matches will commence at 8:20 a.m., 9:40 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 12:00 noon, 1:40 p.m., 3:00 p.m., and 4:20 p.m. Participating teams are urged to arrive at the match venue at least 30 minutes before kickoff.
Hajj Gafar, Chairman of the Technical Committee of the LSFA, introduced BUGA WINS as a sponsor of the tournament. He also addressed the critical issue of football violence, urging all involved to “Say NO to football violence.”
To curb incidents of violence during matches, strict guidelines have been established, including the requirement to file formal reports and imposing sanctions, including fines of at least 2,500,000 NGN, as well as suspensions for those found guilty of engaging in violence against players, referees, or match officials.
Otunba Jackson, CEO of BUGA WINS, expressed his passion for football and his motivation to partner with the Lagos FA as a tournament sponsor.
He promised numerous prizes to be awarded during the tournament, including gifts for early-bird fans and extravagant rewards for those who participate in post-match activities. These prizes include all-expense-paid vacations, staycations, and weekend getaways at various locations in Lagos State.
Yomi Kuku emphasized the importance of fair play in football and its relevance to tournaments in Nigeria, underscoring the need for sportsmanship and integrity in the beautiful game.
