BY SUNDAY AKINTOYE
Defending Champions, Smart City and other invited seven teams are expected to feature in this year’s 2nd edition of Jagaban Cup.
The 2nd edition of Jagaban Cup powered by 36 Lion Investment, Diamond Sports Management Limited, IFMM and Lagos Enigma Group would be held March 26 through 29, 2024.
The tournament will host European scouts at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena popularly known as Onikan Stadium, Lagos for three days.
Eight teams would feature in an effort to showcase their skills to foreign scouts with their eye on being invited to Europe for trials.
Other invited teams are Ikorodu City, Broad City, Smart City, 36 Lion, Mavlon, The Charlesann, Imperial and Dino SC.
The previous tournament which took place in Lagos was very successful with scouts from Belgium, Turkey, Slovakia, Azerbaijan and Czech Republic in attendance. The outcome was invitation of several players to trials abroad and signing of deals.
Sochi wing back, Solomon Agbalaka played in the first edition of the tournament.
Chief Organizer, Hajj Gafar Liameed briefed the Media on Tuesday night said the scouts were happy with the standard they saw in 2022 saying that his year’s edition would be better organised.
“The scouts were happy with the standard that they saw in 2022 and believe there are many untapped potentials in Nigeria.Clubs have expressed their readiness to play the competition because of the opportunities and exposure it will bring to the table. We have already mapped out plans to surpass the successes recorded in the first edition.
“Flying Eagles defender, Solomon Agbalaka is a product of Jagaban Cup. The lad has excelled so far in his stint at Sochi and we are proud that he is a player who shone at the Jagaban Cup.
“The aim of Jagaban Cup is to provide opportunities for players to excel in their careers. We did well to mobilize the youths to the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in the first edition. They are excited to be part of this year’s event due to the trust they have in us.
“Football is a unifying factor for the Nigerian youths. The feedbacks we got from the first edition was massive. The fans want to enjoy the feeling of the Jagaban Cup and we are excited to ignite the good feeling,” the Lagos State Football Association Vice President added.
