BY SUNDAY AKINTOYE
Organisers of U-13 NADIS Cup have started early preparations for the inaugural edition of the tournament scheduled to commence next month at proposed Palace Ground, Igando, Alimosho, Lagos.
The tournament is put together by Igando Football Club, IGFC and sponsored by NADIS Exchange under the leadership of Nmandi Bonaventure.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, chairman organising committee, Jamiu Mohammed Aberejo disclosed that only 16 teams or academies across various part of the state are free to register with the organisers with a sum of N20, 000.
The main purpose of the tournament according to Aberejo is to give the kids who are within the age bracket an ample opportunity to showcase their natural talents and also allow the club owners or coaches to use this tournament as part of their player’s development and identifications.
Aberejo argued that football organisers in Lagos hardly organise a football tournament of this category noted that many players within these age bracket always unhappy for irregular tournament of their age.
He however admitted the challenges organising a football tournament of such age stressing that the IGFC has taken it upon itself to give the kids a platform where their talents can be identified and appreciated by fans and other football stakeholders.
“This is the first of its kind in Igando and it’s environs.We want to ensure that this tournament has come to stay and play annually. We have our sponsor in person of Chief Executive Officer of NADIS Exchange and he is happy to give his support for the tournament.
Aberejo confirmed teams have started showing interest already and urged the other interested teams to come for their registration fees. He revealed that the registration forms would close by September ending to avoid missing the tournament because there is no arrangement for late registration fees.
“I don’t believe in late registration. I am using this medium to call on club owners,coaches who are interested in the competition to reach us for their registration forms. Presently we have more than eight teams that are interested, while some of them promised to pay their registration fees this weekend, ” he said.
Aberejo who doubles as Chairman and Head Coach of Igando Football Club,IGFC would chair the organising committee.Other members in the committee are Prince Sulaiman Adebola Gbadamonsi (Prince Gas) Habeeb Bello and Ose Emokpae.
Aberejo however tasked the organising committee to live up to expectations in their responsibilities and ensuring the smooth organisation and coordination of the tournament.
“We have selected these committee members based on their experience in football organisation and administration over the years.I have seen what they are capable of when it comes to football organisation not only in Igando and other parts of Alimosho as a whole. I congratulate our committee members for being selected into this committee and i wish them best of luck in their new assignments,”he concluded