BY SUNDAY AKINTOYE
A word of commendation and praises have gone to the Bet9ja Foundation for its financial support given to Lagos Ex-Internationals Cup which begins early next month across 16 centers.
Speaking at the draw conference of Ex-Internationals Cup held in Lagos recently, chairman of Lagos State Football Association LSFA Hajji Gafar Liameed expressed his profound gratitude to the title sponsor, Bet9ja Foundation for sponsoring this year’s Lagos Ex-Internationals Cup.
In his goodwill message to the sponsor, Liameed said without the support of Bet9ja Foundation,the Ex Internationals Cup would not have come to reality and commended the Chairman of the Bet9ja Betting Company in Nigeria, Chief Kunle Soname for his support and belief in the Ex Internationals Cup.
He described the sponsorship deal a good one for the ex Internationals who served this country during their active days saying that the tournament is meant for the legends to share their experiences with the young ones.
“I must thank our sponsor, Bet9ja Foundation for showing interest in our project.We really appreciate the kind gesture extended to our ex Internationals and this is an opportunity for our legends to impact positively on our young players during the tournament.During the tournament I expect our legends to mentor and nurture our young players and avoid win at all cost syndrome,”he said.
In a chat with our correspondent, vice Chairman of LSFA, Adedotun Coker said Bet9ja Foundation has put smile on the faces of ex internationals and urged the participating legends to see this competition a way of bring them to limelight after they left active football many years ago.
“I commend the Bet9ja Foundation for its financial commitment to this noble project.We LSFA members cannot thank them enough because they came at the right time to support our legends who served this country wholeheartedly.Thank You Bet9ja Foundation,thank you my chairman,Mr Kunle Soname,”he concluded
Meanwhile a sum of N40 million naira has been committed to the competition by Bet9ja Foundation as part of sponsorship deal.All the participants would receive appearance fees during the tournament.
A winner and first runner up would be given prize money, while awards and cash prize would be given to outstanding players of the tournament.
The tournament according to the organisers is an home and away format.16 teams would qualify for the round of 16 after first round matches.32 legends selected by LSFA have adopted clubs in Lagos and they would be in charge of their clubs during the tournament.