Despite 3SC’s exit, Dimeji Lawal satisfied with Naija Super Eight concept

Dimeji Lawal

• Bendel Insurance’s Ini-Obong wins N100, 000, paid trip for wonder goal • Draws, wildcards’ unveiling hold today in Lagos

Former Super Eagles midfielder, Oladimeji Lawal, has commended organisers of the ongoing Naija Super Eight play-off for their vision, saying it has added glamour and money to the nation’s club football.

Lawal featured at Canada ’87 FIFA U-16 World Cup as well as Saudi ’89 FIFA World Youth Championship for Nigeria. He made several appearances for the senior national team, and scored on his debut, a 1992 African Nations Cup qualifier against Togo in 1990.

Among other club assignments, Lawal played for the conquering Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) between 1991 and 1993 under the management of the late Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi.

Now, Lawal is the General Manager of the Ibadan warlords, which is the most successful club in the entire South West. But at the ongoing Naija Super Eight Play-offs in Eket, Akwa Ibom State, 3SC could not survive, losing the Southwest ticket 0-3 to rave of the moment, Remo Stars of Ikenne.

The early exit notwithstanding, Lawal said he is satisfied with the concept of the Naija Super Eight. “I love the idea and I give kudos to the organisers because it has brought glamour and more money into our club football.”

The Naija Super Eight, being organised by Flykite Productions, offers each of the participating teams N3 million per game. At the national finals, the runners-up trophy will come with N9 million, while the winner will get N25m, with the best player in every match pocketing N250, 000.

On 3SC’s exit from the competition, Lawal said the Oluyole Warriors gave their best in the game against Remo Stars. He explained: “We had only five days to prepare for this match due to