Ikorodu City FC and Smart City FC were on Saturday both officially recognised and formally welcomed to the Congress of Lagos State Football Association (LSFA).
This much was revealed by LSFA secretary-general, Akeem Rabiu-
Okikiopusu in an exclusive interview with sports247.ng few minutes after the association’s annual general assembly at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere.
Rabiu-Okikiopusu further disclosed that amendments were made to LSFA’s statutes to formally recognise the recent promotion of Ikorodu City to the top-flight Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) and for Smart City in the lower cadre Nigerian National League (NNL).
While also acknowledging the recent achievement of Lagos State’s under-15 female team at the 8th National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State, Rabiu-Okikiopusu added that the position of second vice-chairman has been created into the football body’s executive committee.
The LSFA scribe revealed, “Amendment of the statutes, whereby the Congress approved Ikorodu City football club as an NPFL representative and a Congress member, as well as Smart City football club as a National League representative and Congress member.
“Both football clubs were welcomed into the football family. Also, the position of the second vice-chairman was created, starting from the next extraordinary general elective Congress in 2027.
“Also, as you are aware, the success of our girls at the just concluded National Youth Games (was mentioned).”
Rabiu-Okikiopusu added that it would henceforth be an offence for any club to withhold its players that are invited for Lagos State assignments.
“Decisions were taken, just as in a global practice, whereby no football club can refuse to release their player to represent their country.
“So, the Congress has hereby taken the decision to ensure that no football club will refuse releasing their player for any state function.
“By refusing to release their player, sanctions will be taken against such club and player being invited to state functions. It’s a good thing for football in Lagos State,” Rabiu-Okikiopusu posited.
He went on to disclose that a budget of N3.6bn was also approved for the 2024/2025 football season, while corporate bodies and people in the private sector were enjoined to step out as sponsors of the round leather game in Lagos State.
