The chairman of Lagos State Football Association (LSFA), Hajji Gafar Olawale Liameed has received another round of plaudits for coming up with the innovation of Ex-internationals Cup.
The final took place at Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos on Sunday, with Henry Nwosu FC winning the cup after defeating Friday Ekpo FC via penalties.
In the wake of Sunday’s match, many accolades have been trailing Liameed and his board members, with observers describing the competition as a rallying point of ex-players.
Many lovers of the round leather game also cited the competition as an opportunity for former players to hobnob and share among themselves fond memories of the good old days.
Analysts noted further that it also served as another avenue of promoting the development of football in Lagos State, as many youth clubs were enlisted to bear the names of ex-internationals, who became their coaches for the competition.
While taking another look at the thrills of Ex-internationals Cup 2024 and basking in the delight of Sunday’s final at Onikan Waterfront, former Stationery Stores FC of Lagos and Al-Ahly of Egypt midfielder, Monsuru Owolabi Shobayo gave kudos to Liameed for bringing many ex-players back together.
Shobayo beamed in ecstasy: “I am happy for Gafar Liameed and the support of everyone that was involved in this competition.
“I am happy for the ex-internationals like Henry Nwosu, (Victor) Ikpeba, (Victor) Agali and all the former national team players. I am so happy for all of them.
“Jide Oguntuase, Atineh (Nathan Nwaigwe); many of them like that, who I saw during the final.
“They were so many. I can’t mention them all. Loveday Omoruyi, and many others. All of them were there.
“We played together in those days, and I was so happy to see them live again. I’m so excited about this opportunity.”
Shobayo, who is now a players’ agent based in Brazil, also spoke about how conducive the South American country is for Nigerian players.
He mentioned the presence of two Nigerians that are currently playing in The Samba Nation and, though he admitted they are planning on moving to Europe, he believes some young players in Lagos could make the switch to King Pele’s country.
“We still have some Nigerian players in Brazil … like Azeez Balogun and another guy. They are trying to go to Europe, but we are also trying to take some young boys over there right now.
“Any good player we can get, we will try to take them to Brazil; so that they can start their life and get better things over there,” Shobayo projected.
, Hajji Gafar Olawale Liameed has received another round of plaudits for coming up with the innovation of Ex-internationals Cup.){kind=link}