Following a successful draw ceremony for the accredited 40 teams across five Lagos Divisions , the race for the second edition of the premier grassroots football initiative, Spires 5-Aside Football Tournament would begin on Saturday, April 19th.
Yesterday, the draws for the preliminary round of the competition across the designated five divisions, was held at the iconic CIBN building in Victoria Island, Lagos amid pomp and ceremony with representatives of the respective participating teams and media in attendance at the epoch ceremony.
According to the fixtures, hostilities will get underway on Saturday at the Ikeja division when Wasola FC will file out against African Future stars while Useful Youth will lock-horns against Soccer Gems.
The following day, April 20th , it will be Ballers FA vs Amsterdam FA, while Divinely blessed FC with square up against Blood and Sand FC.
Convener of the Spires 5-Aside Tourney geared towards nurturing and development of budding talents, Dr. Bankole Allibay, said each of the participating teams will receive the sum of N100,000 in the divisional stages which is an upgrade from the N50,000 paid in the maiden season. Bankole also emphasized on the need for discipline among the coaches, players, team coordinators and fans during and after each match days.
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” on our part as organisers we have done everything necessary to ensure we have near perfect campaign, we have made a few changes from what was obtainable in season like the age limit at 21 for the players, increase prize money across board and other welfare arrangements for the teams, “Allibay said.
The tournament Director Akin Eshilokun said all is set for Saturday, April 19th Kick-off in the Ikeja division.
” We have everything in place as we speak, we are working closely with the Lagos State Football Association, the state referees association, and the respective divisional football association, i am confident we are going to have another great season across board,” Akin stated.
Three teams well qualify from each of the five divisions, while the overall best loser across the divisions will join the 15 qualified teams for a group stage tournament of 16 teams.
White Tigers FC defeated All Saints football club to emerged champions of the maiden edition of the Spires 5-Aside Naija Street Soccer Tournament in 2024. The winner of this year’s tournament will receive a prize money of N10m among other benefits.