A football scout based in Sao Paolo, Brazil, Monsuru Owolabi Shobayo has tipped the new chairman of Lagos State Football Association (LSFA), Hajji Gafar Olawale Liameed to perform wonders and turn all aspects of the game around.
The former player turned agent, who also played for Al-Ahly of Egypt before hanging his boots, added that he expects Liameed to make the Lagos FA a successful symbol for others across Nigeria to copy.
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While citing this year’s edition of the Jagaban Cup as an example, Shobayo opined that Liameed will make youth football the fulcrum of his master plan in The Centre of Excellence, where he recalled that the new chairman followed football from his childhood.
He noted the smooth organisation of the scouting competition at Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos, and added that the tourney, which was co-founded by Liameed, was highly exciting.
While exuding delight over Friday’s final between Smart City FC and 36 Lion FC, Shobayo described the Jagaban Cup as a rallying point for the discovery of hidden talents and advocated more of such for Nigeria as a whole.
Shobayo went on to urge coaches of Nigeria’s various national teams to attend such competitions to pick budding talents that will become stars shortly.
The advocate of Samba Soccer used Friday’s final, which Smart City won via penalties, as a reference point to what Liameed can do to showcase Nigeria’s vast array of hidden talents.
Shobayo concluded: “I just want to advise Super Eagles coach, Flying Eagles coach, and Golden Eaglets coach to come over to Onikan Stadium to see talents. There are lots of talents in this competition.
“They are all playing good. I’m so happy that I am here. From Brazil, I came to Nigeria to support the Jagaban Cup organisers. I am so happy that I came here and the people I met are also happy.
“I appreciate everybody that has been here to watch the matches. With what we have seen here, in three to four years, Nigerian football will change for the better.
“It is also great to see that the main organiser, Alhaji Gafar Liameed, is the new chairman of Lagos State Football Association. I know him very well. He’s my childhood friend.
“When I was playing for Stationery Stores, he used to go with me to better the stadium, and he used to encourage me. I did not know he would be a coach or manager in the future.
“I am so grateful for him, and I know he will do something about making this type of competition relevant for Nigerian youths. His getting this kind of team for the Jagaban Cup is a great form of support for young players.
“I think everything will be very okay with him as our FA chairman. Starting from Lagos, football in Nigeria will change. For the future to be better, let’s all join hands together to help Liameed make our football grow.”
Shobayo concluded with a prediction that many good players selected from the Jagaban Cup will sign lucrative contracts for big clubs in Europe and soon become great stars of football for Nigeria.
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