Belgium-based ex-youth football star, Emmanuel Olakunle Awosanmi has stated delight with the successful organisation of a competition he sponsored for youngsters in Mushin area of Lagos, sports247.ng reports.
Although he could not travel home to witness the competition during the Christmas break, Awosanmi said he was impressed that members of the oraganising committee did a good job and ensured a successful end to the contest, even in his absence.
The former defender stated further that he is already thinking of the second edition, as he aims to keep putting something back into the system that produced him, while also trying to encourage kids to go beyond the level he reached before calling it quit with the game.
Chairman of the organising committee, Oscar Ezinwa Emmanuel thanked Awosanmi for the trust he reposed in the group, and pledged that they will do better in the next edition.
He admitted that there were some obstacles they had to cross, which occasioned a change in venue from Bishop Aggey High School, Ilasamaja to Saint Jude’s Primary School, Mushin, but affirmed that it was a major success on the whole.
Ezinwa Emmanuel added: “The Championship kicked off on Saturday November 13 with a press briefing and draws at the multi-purpose hall of Bishop Aggey Memorial School with all the team Head coaches and team captain, the media and other sporting individuals.
“Matches started on Monday 19th November at Bishop Aggey Mini sports complex and Saints Jude School respectively.
“A total of 48 games were played all through to the Final which was played on Saturday 29th December, 2018 at St. Jude School Mushin between Sunny FC and MS. Success.
“MS Success FC of Mushin emerged as the first champion after defeating Sunny FC of Isolo by 2-1, while Satec FC won the 3rd place game, against FC Robo. All the 48 games took place peacefully from the start to finish.
“Special guest and father of the day for the final was Honourable (Alhaji) Agboola Lukmon Dabiri, Lagos State commissioner for youths and Social Development who is also the president of Nigeria grassroots football Federation (NGFF).
“Also in attendance were the chairman of Mushin LGA Football All-stars, representative of Mushin LG council, Ex-Footballers, club proprietors, members of the media, coaches union, referess and other football stakeholders, family are friends of the sponsors, The Awosanmi Family.
“At the end of the epoch final, the organizing committee awarded medals, certificates of participation and of honour to the clubs and individuals who distinguished themselves in the championship.
“The most valuable player (MVP), best coach, best goal keeper, the first goal scorer of the tournament, best behave team, most outstanding refress, youngest/discovery and relevant player of the tournament.
“Those who were recognized and awarded medals and certificate for their outstanding performances and contribution to the success of the Championship included MS. Success FC, Mushin – 1st Position (Gold).
“Others were Sunny FC, Isolo – 2nd Position (Silver), Satec FC, Mushin – 3rd (Bronze), and FC, Robo Mushin – 4th Position, and special merit award to Coach Emmanuel Osahon Orabosa of FC Robo.
“Members of MOC are Alabi Kazeem (Ewe), Akintola Olushola (Zola), Adekoya Taofeek (TK), Oscar Ezinwa Emmanuel (Tournament Director)and PDR Sports Consulting outfit
“The individual awards included Most Valuable player – Folly Flolounsho (MS SUCCESS) Captain, First Scorer in the tournament / Highest goal scorer (5 goals) from – MS SUCCESS FC, most promising referee, Adeola Eniola, Best coach (winner) – Musbah Oseni (MS SUCCESS) and the most encouraging coach, Nzeriem Diego Nicalado.
“Others were New Discovery – Oseni Olabisi (FC SUCCESS), Best goal keeper – Nasiru Olayinka Salawudeen (SPORTS CITY FC), Best behaved team – FC ROBO, Media COVERAGE Award and Print Media (Sporting Sun) – Bolaji Okunola.
“The climax of the final was the general agreement of all the coaches and stakeholders to honor the sole sponsor Mr. Awosanmi Emmanuel Olakunle.
“We also agreed to introduce the tournament to other sport loving individuals for sponsorship/ support for the next edition.
“As a result of tremendous interest shown by the grassroots clubs and stakeholders coupled with the conduct of the participating teams, preliminary work on the 2nd edition has begun.
“We target a total of 48 clubs and for the competition to kick off earlier than before possibly by October. Aggressive sponsorship drive must begin immediately.”
