Kunle ADELABU
Members of the All Stars Football Organization, Ikorodu, winners of the 2nd edition of the IDFA Easter Football Fiesta. in group photograph
Five All Stars teams within the Ikorodu Division of Lagos State and one from Ogijo in Ogun State, Southwest, Nigeria have been confirmed to participate in this year’s annual Easter Football Fiesta being organized by Ikorodu Divisional Football Association (IDFA).
This year’s edition of the competition, which started three years ago and usually features established and veteran players of the round leather game, will hold at the Strong Tower Arena, Oke Ota-Ona, Ikorodu, Lagos, between Friday, April 19 and Monday, April, 22, 2019.
Those teams to do battle in the competition are All Stars Football Organization, Ikorodu, Unique Fun All Stars, Itamaga, All Stars, Adamo, LASPOTECH All Stars, Ikorodu, All Stars, Igbogbo and All Stars, Ogijo.
Speaking with THE IMPACT, the Chairman of the Ikorodu Divisional Football Association and a Commissioner in the Nigerian Professional Football League, Mr Lookman Sonibare, stated that the annual fiesta is designed to foster unity among ex-internationals, established players and create avenue for upcoming players to learn.
“The annual soccer event was designed to foster unity among ex-internationals, established players and upcoming players.
“To rekindle the talents that the ex-internationals had displayed during their playing days in order for those still playing to learn from and get motivated.
“To bring together members of various football associations, players and their families to celebrate Easter by watching and enjoying football matches together.
According to the organizers, the preliminary matches of the soccer tournament start by 9.00am on Good Friday (April 19) and Saturday, April 20, while Sunday (April 21) would be rest day.
The 3rd place match and final game are slated for 2pm on Easter Monday at the Strong Tower Arena.
Yeye Opomulero of Ikorodu Kingdom and wife of the Majority Leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Yeye Adeola Agunbiade, would chair this year’s edition of the soccer event.
Other guests expected to grace the event are the Majority Leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade, Member of the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Babajimi Benson, Member, Governing Council of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Prince Hakeem Olukunga, the Director of Sports, Sanwo-Olu Campaign Group, Mr Toyin Gafaar Bolowotan among others.
The first edition of the Easter tournament fiesta was by the the Unique Fun All Stars, Itamaga while the All Stars Football Organization, Ikorodu led by Lanre Olabinjo emerged the champion of the second edition in 2018
