The third edition of the LAB Memorial Football Carnival is set to be the biggest yet, with the number of participating teams doubling from eight to sixteen.
The competition, which will take place at the University of Lagos Akoka Sports Center, has also seen a significant increase in prize money, with a total of 5 million Naira up for grabs.
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The sixteen teams that will compete in this year’s edition have been announced, marking a significant expansion from the inaugural competition, which featured just four teams. This year’s lineup includes Olumo United Football Club, Alimosho Football Club, FC Dynamos, Newcastle FC, 36 Lions FC, Mighty Stars FC, Melody Football Club, Rechabite FA, Ultimate FC, Prodigy FA, Arepo Bombers FC, Right Vision Choice FA, Collins Edwin Sport Club, Hempel Football Academy, Gbeta FC, and J Save FC.
The competition will span two days, with the preliminary round taking place on April 11 and the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final on April 13. The winning team will receive 100K per player, while runners-up will receive 50K per player. Teams reaching the semi-final knockout stage will receive 200K, and those reaching the quarter-final knockout stage will receive 100K. Teams reaching the knockout stage will receive 50K.
Dr Abdul Shola Balogun, member of the Board of Trustees of the LAB foundation expressed his excitement about the upcoming event. “We are happy that the legacy lives on and we are here to keep the legacy on. The competition is getting bigger and improving every year,” he said.
Dr. Balogun emphasized the carnival’s role in supporting youth development and fostering dreams of a career in football. “This year we are trying to keep putting smiles on the youth faces and we also want to make sure that their dream of getting to where they desire to be as a footballer, we want to make that platform very suitable for them,” he added.
With everything in place for the competition in April, Dr. Balogun hinted at more surprises to come. “We are still working on more things to be added. A lot of surprises with the team this year. Let’s leave it like that for now. More information will come as we progress,” he said.
The LAB Memorial Football Carnival is more than just a competition; it is a celebration of football and a testament to the potential of youth in the sport. As the teams prepare for the upcoming matches, spectators can look forward to exciting games and the emergence of new football talents.
