Football fans will have a taste of exciting walking football as the final of Waka Football League season 2 holds on Saturday, October 19,2024, at Eagle Club pitch, Surulere, Lagos.
First Waka A FC who are topping the log with 19 points will clash with First Waka B FC in what promises a battle of titans to decide the champions.
At stake also is the Fair play trophy for the less offensive team of the season. The award aims to promote the spirit of fair play, team discipline and overall display of sportsmanship.
The finalists, First Waka A FC and First Waka B teams are the top contenders for the fair play award with 26.5 points and 21.5 points respectively.
The Lagos State Walking Football Association says, it emphasises fair play during games through strict application of the rules against running with the ball, heading the ball, kick above the shoulders, and no kicking from behind or sides.
Chairman of Lagos State Waka Football Association, Mr. Godson Uti, who expressed satisfaction with the quality of the game this season, said the teams exhibited better understanding of the rules of the game season.
According to him, the season two league has witnessed a lot of improvement in officiating and team’s knowledge of the rules.
“The inaugural season last year was a good and satisfactory take off of the Waka league. We have seen tremendous improvement in every department of the novel game.
“The players are now more familiar with the rules and smarter with the ball. The officiating was very good because of a better understanding and application of the rules by everyone. This made the matches more entertaining,” he said.
Other teams featuring in the 20 weeks season two league include, Managers FC, Apapa Ajegunle and FFC.
Mr. Uti, who commended the teams for the high quality display and skills, said the waka league has a great future.
“Waka football is not only for retired players, but for football lovers within the prescribed age bracket. It is entertaining, promotes fitness and beneficial for healthy living,”he said.
Waka football, a variant of the beautiful game, specially for players 50 years and above, was introduced in the country by the Lagos State Walking Football Association (LSWFA).
It would be recalled that Nigeria participated in the 2023 Walking Football World Nations Cup at the prestigious St. Georges Park, England. Nigeria finished 9th out of 64 nations.
