Sanwo-Olu assures Igbo traders of Lagos’ support as Ndigboamaka football tourney begins

Football

Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has assured Igbo traders in Lagos State of his continued support, saying that the people, mostly traders, contribute to the state’s development.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Igboamaka All Markets Football Tournament, which kicked off at the Legacy Pitch of the National Stadium, yesterday, Sanwo-Olu, commended the organisers for the initiative and assured that he would be present at the closing ceremony to cheer the teams.

The Lagos State governor, who was represented by the state’s Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Fatai, said that his government is delighted to be part of the football championship, which is aimed at bringing unity between Igbo traders in Lagos and other Lagosians.

Also speaking at the event, grand patron and sponsor of the event, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, said the football championship would attract scouts in future to select outstanding players that would represent Nigeria in international championships.

“I am delighted that the Igbo traders, who have contributed majorly to the GDP of Lagos State are coming together as one to play football.

“This championship will be organised yearly. I will get the tapes of every game and see how I can involve ex-players like Kanu Nwankwo, Daniel Amokachi and other stakeholders in the sports business to pick young talents at the tournament and help them hone their skills in bigger clubs for them to become professional players.”

This is another ground to source for talents,” he said. 

Okonkwo added that the winner of the football championship will get N1.5 million, the second-placed team will earn N1 million, while the third-placed side will take N500, 000.

I6 teams are participating in the event, which featured Alaba